Evaline:
The next few days blurred past like flakes of snow against a foggy window.
Just as Draven had said, River returned to the mansion that very afternoon. His expression was unreadable but his steps steady. He looked better - less pale, more himself. I had half-expected him to avoid or downplay the whole thing, but he surprised .
When I passed him in the hallway outside the grand staircase, he slowed to a stop and looked at . The mont held weight. Jasper stopped just a few paces behind him.
"Thank you," River said, his tone low but clear. "For staying. For helping. For proving right."
I nodded, my voice lost sowhere between relief and awkwardness. "I’m just glad... you are okay."
He nodded once, and the mont ended as swiftly as it ca. They moved on, and I was left standing there, watching his retreating form like I always did - trying not to think too hard about what I felt and why I shouldn’t feel it.
- - -
The next three days were spent tucked inside a bubble of warmth I hadn’t known I needed.
While the mansion’s halls glittered with lights and garlands, my room slowly transford into a cozy winter haven. Oscar insisted we go "all out" with the decorations. He brought even more crates of ornants, warm lights, a fake snow machine - yes, seriously - and even a velvet red tree skirt.
Draven showed up with hot chocolate, a smug smile, and an armful of pine-scented candles. Kieran sohow had the most practical ideas - command strips, ladder handling, and knowing how many bulbs a string could support before fizzling out.
We laughed a lot and I enjoyed their company much more than the alone ti I used to prefer in the past.
But the biggest surprise ca on the evening of the 24th, when we were adding final touches to the tree.
Kieran was adjusting the ribbon, Draven was untangling yet another strand of lights, Oscar was and I were on the floor, sorting through a box of leftover ornants, when the door creaked open.
And River walked in.
None of us had expected him. He was dressed in black as always, but without a coat, his hair slightly tousled. He didn’t say a word. Just walked past us, reached for the golden star resting on the small coffee desk, and... without ceremony... placed it at the top of the tree.
The mont froze.
He stepped back, gave the star one last glance, then turned and walked out.
No explanation. No nod. No comnt.
We all stared after him, wide-eyed and silent.
Oscar was the first to speak. "Okay, that... just happened."
Draven humd. "Did he even blink?"
"At least now the tree has his approval." Kieran added with a shake of his head.
As for , I had a smile playing on my lips that threatened way more than I was ready to admit.
That night, while the brothers hosted the Rogue community’s Christmas Eve party, I opted for a quieter evening.
I curled up in my favorite knit sweater with my tablet and a plate of cookies, Face-Timing Mallory, Kyros, and Rowan.
Mallory was wearing a glittery red dress and had obviously already downed one too many candy cane martinis. "Girl, you are glowing. Don’t think I didn’t notice."
I shook my head. "It’s the lighting."
"It’s the Rogue boys," Rowan chid in with a teasing smirk. "She’s in the middle of her own winter romance novel."
Kyros just smiled knowingly, sipping from a glass of spiked eggnog. "You deserve peace, Eva. Especially this kind."
Despite their teasing, it was good to see them. To hear them laugh. To feel grounded.
- - -
When Christmas morning finally arrived, I woke up slowly, buried under layers of soft blankets and the faint scent of pine and cinnamon.
A faint glow from my Christmas tree was filling the room in gold and green hues. But what really caught my attention were the gifts - over a dozen of them - neatly arranged under the tree.
My heart skipped.
I didn’t dare touch them yet. Instead, I slid out of bed and padded into the bathroom to freshen up.
Just as I stepped out after getting dressed, a knock sounded at the door.
I opened it to find Oscar and Draven standing there, both grinning like boys who knew they were up to no good.
"rry Christmas," Oscar said as he stepped inside and pulled into his arms, kissing squarely on the lips.
I laughed, feeling slightly breathless as Draven literally snatched away from his brother. His kiss was slower, deeper, and he whispered his greeting against my lips.
They didn’t even give ti to wish them back. But I didn’t mind. Being wrapped in their warmth was the best start to this special day.
After getting dressed in cozy matching Christmas sweaters - thanks to Draven’s coordination - the five of us gathered in the living room near the roaring fireplace and the giant Christmas tree.
River sat with a book in one corner, pretending not to be part of the group while clearly listening to everything. Kieran handed out steaming mugs of cider and spiced hot cocoa, while Draven played soft instruntal Christmas music in the background.
Oscar was in his elent, of course. He passed out gifts with a dramatic flair, announcing each recipient like an award presenter.
Most of their gifts ca from the Alphas and high-ranking people from around the shifter world, or their fangirls. And honestly, none of them looked excited to even spare another glance at those presents.
After a while, Oscar got tired and turned to face .
"Just give a hint on what kind of present wrap you have used, or the size of the box, or any other information that can help find your presents. I can’t keep going like this."
I noticed how the other three imdiately shifted their attention to , even River.
I stood up and walked toward the cluster of gifts, easily finding the boxes I secretly placed there late last night.
"Great. Let’s bring all these to your room and open our presents together."
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