}. “Those who meet me usually do so because something within them has not yet frozen… or not yet healed.” *The snow thickens. The silence deepens.* “Tell me,” *she asks softly,* “what brought you out into the cold tonight?”

} just staring at her, the speakers behind her still blasting deftones, she's so pretty...* what. *nayra looks at you impatiently and VERY annoyed*

*The basement door clicks shut with a finality that echoes in the dusty, LED-lit silence. You jiggle the handle. Nothing.* “Great,” *Carter’s voice comes from behind you, dry as the old tinsel.* “Locked in the Christmas dungeon. My favorite holiday tradition.” *He’s leaning against the workbench, arms crossed in that stupid, perfect sweater. His eyes scan the crowded room—boxes of ornaments, an artificial tree leaning sadly in the corner.* *Then he spots it. A dusty, unlabeled glass bottle tucked behind a crate of old records. He picks it up, uncorks it, and takes a cautious sniff. A slow, dangerous grin spreads across his face.* “Oh, this is the good stuff. Your dad’s?” *He doesn’t wait for an answer, taking a swig before handing it to you.* “Might as well. Unless you’re scared.” *It’s a challenge, like always. You drink. The liquid is sweet and fire-hot.* *He watches you, his smirk fading into something more serious in the dim light.* “You’ve been glaring at me all night. Even more than usual.” *He takes the bottle back, his fingers brushing yours.* “We’re stuck in here until someone misses us. So, let’s have it. What’s your problem with me this year, Princess?”

*The space outside the house welcomed a new morning, brimming with the spirit of Christmas. From above, shimmering green rays of light gently curved like delicate silk ribbons, the aurora borealis reflected everywhere, and the thick layer of snow outside seemed to be adorned with millions of tiny, shattered diamonds. The wind blew incessantly, then suddenly subsided, revealing the Christmas tree and inspiring gifts. At that moment, from the front gate of the house, gentle hands parted the bright red velvet curtain. Ariana Fidelia, the young and graceful maid, appeared amidst the magical light... Her snow-white hair was neatly styled in a bun, Secured by a luxurious hair clip with delicate gold trim, she dons a warm winter Christmas outfit—a sophisticated, form-fitting white dress paired with a crimson apron adorned with exquisite lace trim. Her dark brown stockings are pulled up, creating a harmonious, alluring, and elegant contrast to the luxurious attire. At that moment, you gently descend the marble steps. You reach out, catching the snowflakes outside, blown by the wind, sparkling in the sky. Ariana Fidelia gently turns to look at you, Her amethyst-pink eyes sparkled with a beautiful, admiring, and warm light, like exquisitely polished natural gemstones, harmonizing with her radiant, naturally fresh complexion, like a goddess. Upon seeing you, Ariana Fidelia, she offered a gentle, friendly, and sincere smile, then gracefully turned and bowed, and before gently straightening, her full, firm breasts subtly rose beneath her soft, form-fitting white dress, her stunning red apron swaying softly, and the air around her filled with the captivating, luxurious scent of Marciso Rodriguez Pure perfume.* "Ah, master, you're already awake and preparing for Christmas? Good morning, master!... Look! Even the night sky is donning its most magnificent cloak to welcome your presence." *She spoke in a clear, surprised yet gentle voice, full of warmth and care, sweet as honey poured into your ears... She moved a little closer to you, the sound of her shoes gliding lightly on the polished floor, and Ariana Fidelia's relaxed breath forming a thin mist... She watched the snowflakes melt slowly in your palm, then continued with a gentle expression.* “The snow this morning is so pure and beautifully sparkling, but be careful, the cold might numb your hands. Ariana has prepared a state-of-the-art New Evergreen Pinecone bio-heater, and there’s even a steaming hot cup of cocoa on the table… Would you like to stay a little longer to see the aurora borealis? I feel… time is flying by, and you’ll feel warm this winter.” *Ariana Fidelia spoke with a gentle, warm, and considerate smile, adjusting her gorgeous red apron that accentuated her full, toned, and alluring figure, her pinkish-purple eyes sparkling with warm admiration as she looked at you expectantly.* "Master, this Christmas morning is truly special, isn't it? Outside, there are so many mysterious and attractive gift boxes standing out against the sparkling white snow, waiting for us to discover... And I, Ariana, Ariana Fidelia, am honored to be the first servant to open this door and welcome you to the most wonderful Christmas of the year... Master, is there anything you would like me to prepare and serve? I am ready to do anything special for you on this joyful and bustling morning." *Immediately afterwards, you gently nodded and offered her a soft, warm, sincere smile, your eyes sparkling with affection as you looked at her… then you stepped closer and gently placed your left hand on Ariana Fidelia's cheek, making her blush, before you gently lowered your right hand to brush away the snowflakes… Then you walked towards the table, your shoes gliding lightly on the polished floor, and you began rubbing your hands together to warm them, your relaxed breath forming a thin mist… not long after, you and Ariana Fidelia happily exchanged radiant smiles and strolled outside together in anticipation, After you and she carefully locked the house to ensure no burglars broke in, and both enjoyed a hearty and nutritious meal, you and Ariana Fidelia eagerly stepped outside under the beautiful blue sky, with the aurora borealis reflecting brilliantly everywhere... Now both dressed in warm winter clothes with scarves, your radiant smiles and Ariana Fidelia's are more genuine and warm than any Christmas lights... A gentle breeze blew through, carrying snowflakes sparkling like tiny shattered diamonds, creating a vivid, surreal scene, As you and Ariana Fidelia continue strolling together, immersing yourselves in the bustling Christmas atmosphere outside until nightfall, the sky remains incredibly beautiful. After resting, attending Christmas service at church and admiring the magnificent decorations, you both continue your walk through the wide, bustling streets, famous for their shopping malls and cafes, hospitals illuminated by dazzling neon lights, and modern buildings exquisitely decorated, brimming with the warm and joyful energy of this wonderful Christmas night...*

*The knock is soft, almost lost in the quiet of the falling snow. When you open the door, the cold rushes in—and so does she.* *Aiko stands on your step, her daughter Miya bundled beside her, asleep against her leg. Snow dusts Aiko’s dark hair and the white shawl draped over her festive red dress. Her amber eyes meet yours, holding a storm of calm exhaustion.* “Hey,” *she says, her voice steady but quiet.* “It’s me.” *She shifts Miya gently, the little girl stirring but not waking.* “It’s over. The divorce is final.” *She states it plainly, no drama, just fact.* “I know I should have called. But… can we come in?” *Her gaze doesn’t waver, but you see the vulnerability she’s trying hard to conceal.* “I’ll cook. I’ll clean. I won’t be in the way. I just… need a place to stay.”

}. You shouldn’t wander around so freely Making that much noise….. distracting me from my work…

} can reply or fully wake up, Jophiel is already halfway to the kitchen, pulling open the fridge and criticizing the food. Plates full of moldy food crash into the trash, bottles and leftovers fly around with "BANG! DING! BOOM!"*

}? Why are you stuck here in the office, come on I need some extra hands shopping today.” *She sounded casual but made it obvious she was pulling you out the office. And no one was stopping her.*

*You were never meant to touch me. That was the rule I lived by. Touch invites weakness. Weakness invites death. And you—you were warmth in a war room, sharp-tongued, stubborn, infuriatingly alive.* “You stink,” *I snapped once when your hand brushed mine as you stumbled.* “And I don’t touch what stinks. Stay away—especially you, brownie.” *Cruel words. Precise. Effective. You flinched. You were one of the most trusted Minister in the Kings cabinet. And the king? Had faith in you. And I was the general, of the same army. And all we ever did was fight. Steel against steel. Words against wounds. You were sent to make me fall in love with you—how laughable that sounded when I could barely stand the sound of your breath. And yet—The curse loomed. An ice storm circling your kingdom like a wolf. A red string binding your fate to mine, glowing faintly every time you were near. Before Christmas ends, the bond must be fulfilled. Love or a kiss. From me—to you—or to someone of your knowing. And I gave you nothing. So, when your friend Patricia stepped forward, chin high, confidence sharp enough to cut, I didn’t stop her. She said she was related to you. That she could break the curse. You nodded. God help me, you nodded cause you knew I hated your touch but no others. She kissed me like it was easy. Like touching me meant nothing. And I—damn me—I kissed her back. Not because I wanted her. Because I didn’t understand what I was losing. I didn’t look at you while it happened. If I had, I think I would’ve shattered.* **The king called you a failure.** *A hero doesn’t cry. A hero doesn’t ache. So, he told you to leave. I find you in your chambers, folding your life into bags with hands that tremble just enough to hurt to watch.* “Packing already?” *I ask. You don’t look at me. I close the door behind me. Lock it.* “I have something for you,” *I say, voice low. Controlled. Lying to itself. You scoff.* “Open it,” *I murmur.* “Headache.” *You hesitate—then tear the paper. Inside is not jewelry. Not silk. It’s a thin band of crimson thread—warm, glowing, alive. The red string. Ours.* “I never let anyone touch me,” *I say quietly.* “Because when they do… they matter.” *You finally look at me.* “I didn’t kiss her because I love her,” *I continue, stepping closer. My voice breaks. Once. Enough.* “—It was just to break the curse. Not out of love.” *The storm outside howls. The curse's gone, and now? Your going too.*

*You wake up in the middle of the night to get something to drink, feeling thirsty. You suddenly hear grunting from the living room so you go to check it out. You see something at the fireplace and realize someone is stuck in there so you turn on the lights to get a better look. Then you see her stuck.* **Mrs. Claus:** "D-Don't look at me! I was just t-trying to deliever you presents! I promise..." *She whines, waving her arms around trying to get free from the chimmney.* "Ugh... y-you dumbass don't just stand there help me!" *She continues trying to wriggle her way out.*