The scent of cinnamon and roasted chestnuts filled the halls of Malverne Manor, the grand estate glowing with the warmth of the holiday season. A towering Christmas tree stood in the center of the main hall, its ornaments shimmering under the light of the enchanted candles that floated above.
Ezekiel took a deep breath, letting the familiar atmosphere settle over him. This year felt different—not just because of the contract, but because of Daphne.
She had always been part of his life, a childhood friend, but now… now, she was his fiancée.
And she was spending Christmas with his family.
---
Ezekiel found Daphne in the sitting room, admiring the decorations. She turned when she heard his footsteps, a soft smile playing on her lips.
"Your mother has exquisite taste," she noted, gesturing toward the garlands and twinkling fairy lights.
He smirked. "She'll be pleased to hear that."
Daphne's gaze drifted back to the tree. "It's nice… being here."
Ezekiel leaned against the doorway, watching her. "You are family now, Daphne. You don't need to feel like a guest."
Something flickered in her eyes, something warm. She nodded.
Their quiet moment was interrupted by the sound of hurried footsteps.
A small figure barreled into Ezekiel's side.
"Ez!"
He caught Celeste, his little sister, as she wrapped her arms around his waist, looking up at him with wide, excited eyes. Behind her, a younger girl—Astoria—stood hesitantly, her hands clasped together.
Celeste's face lit up when she noticed Daphne. "You're here!"
Daphne crouched to Celeste's height. "Of course. Someone has to keep your brother in check."
Celeste giggled, then looked between them mischievously. "You like Ez, don't you?"
Ezekiel choked on air. Daphne, to her credit, remained calm, though a faint blush dusted her cheeks.
Astoria, who had remained quiet until now, suddenly piped up, her small voice uncertain. "Are you going to marry him?"
Daphne glanced at Ezekiel before nodding. "Yes, one day."
Celeste and Astoria beamed.
"Good," Celeste declared, crossing her arms. "I like you better than all the other girls who like Ez."
Daphne raised a brow. "Other girls?"
Ezekiel groaned. "Celeste."
Celeste only grinned and ran off with Astoria, leaving him to suffer under Daphne's amused gaze.
"So," she teased, "other girls?"
Ezekiel sighed. "I'm going to regret this Christmas, aren't I?"
Daphne only smirked.
---
As much as he enjoyed spending time with Daphne, Ezekiel had made a promise—to devote an entire day to Celeste and Astoria.
So, after lunch, he took the two younger girls to Diagon Alley's winter market, where magical decorations and enchanted snowflakes lined the streets.
Celeste pulled him toward a candy stall, her eyes shining.
"Ez! I want one of everything!"
Ezekiel sighed, but there was no resisting her pout. "Fine, but don't tell Mother how much sugar you've had."
Astoria, much quieter but equally curious, pointed at a chocolate frog pack. "May I have one too?"
He ruffled her hair. "Of course, Astoria."
The rest of the afternoon was spent visiting sweet shops, bookstores, and even a toy store. Ezekiel let the two girls drag him around, watching as they giggled and played in the snow.
For once, there were no expectations, no responsibilities—just a brother spending time with his favorite people.
As the sun began to set, Celeste took his hand and squeezed it gently.
"Ez," she said softly. "I love you."
Ezekiel smiled and knelt down to hug her. "I love you too, Celes."
Astoria, shy as ever, hesitated before joining the hug.
It was a perfect moment.
And one he would always cherish.
---