Bab 236: Extra Chapter: A Very Merry (and Chaotic) Christmas

The Lyselle Manor glowed with the soft light of a thousand tiny golden bulbs wrapped meticulously around every bannister, window frame, and tree branch. Snow blanketed the expansive front yard, and a towering Christmas tree stood proudly in the living room, its ornaments glittering like jewels. The scene was festive, picturesque, and entirely too serene until a shriek of laughter echoed from the kitchen.

"Mom! Mom!"

A tiny figure barreled into the room, her dark curls bouncing wildly and her hazel eyes sparkling with mischief. She wore a red sweater that read Santa's Favorite (Obviously), and she was dragging an oversized stocking that looked suspiciously heavier than it should have.