The warmth of divine presence filled every inch of the massive living room, lit with twinkling lights strung across the evergreen garlands draped on beams and railings. A roaring fire crackled in the hearth, casting a golden glow over the wide circular arrangement of sofas and plush rugs. Outside the tall frosted windows, snow drifted down lazily under a velvet night sky, the stars glittering like whispers from the heavens.
Everyone was dressed for the season, lounging or chatting in their holiday attire. Chase reclined comfortably in an oversized armchair, a mug of cinnamon-swirled eggnog in one hand, the other wrapped around Chione who sat curled on his lap, fast asleep, her breath rising and falling like the snow outside. Her pale skin glowed against the white and blue shimmer of their family's custom Christmas pajamas — a hoodie and fuzzy pajama bottoms, sparkling with divine snowflakes, each one bearing their names in fine, celestial script.
