Christmas Eve arrived wrapped in a soft chill and the scent of roasted spices drifting through every street corner. The town buzzed with music, laughter, and jingling bells, the kind of warmth that wrapped around the heart like a familiar blanket.
Leah stood by her mirror, brushing out her hair as Maya twirled in her new red sweater.
“Do I look like a Christmas princess?” Maya asked, her wide eyes shining.
Leah smiled. “You look like the whole holiday itself.”
From the doorway, Jenah chuckled. “And you, Miss Cadet, need to hurry up before every decent store is packed.”
Leah laughed, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. She hadn’t worn makeup in months, but a light touch of gloss and a simple white sweater over jeans made her look effortlessly fresh like she had stepped out of a wi
