Chase and Elisabeth raised a synchronized eyebrow, a silent exchange of confusion as the rest of their spouses turned toward the grand fireplace with wide-eyed expectation. The room, glowing with golden warmth from the crackling fire, fell momentarily quiet as the air shimmered with magical tension.
Chione stared intently for a beat longer, her usual porcelain-like indifference cracking into visible disappointment. Artemis crossed her arms, puffing her cheeks in a dramatic sulk, and Athena's expression barely changed—just a twitch of her brow, but that was telling enough for those who knew her.
"Where is the fat man in the red costume? Doesn't he break into houses to give us presents?" Artemis huffed, her voice laced with confusion and an almost childlike pout.
Chase snorted and turned away, failing miserably to suppress the laughter bubbling in his chest. Elisabeth blinked in amused realization. "Are you... talking about Santa Claus?"
