Snow falls.
Magic stirs.
And even in the dark, everything holds.
Set in the Echoes of the Night universe, this holiday novella follows a small found family in Pittsburgh through a strange, quiet Christmas night. The power goes out. Shadows move. Something curious and gentle slips through the dark - not to hurt, but to learn.
There are soft jokes and burnt cookies, flickering tree lights, and a blackout that doesn't bring fear so much as wonder. Magic hums, not hungry or cruel, but warm and attentive, as if the night itself is listening.
This is a story about chosen family. About safety found by touch instead of light. About the rare kind of magic that doesn't demand sacrifice - just trust.
Cozy, softly eerie, and full of heart.
Perfect for readers who love:
🕯 soft horror
🖤 found family
❄️ winter vibes
✨ gentle magic
🌙 emotional, character-driven stories
*Author Note* "If you're enjoying this, leave a comment - I read every one."
Two cursed sisters. One lonely castle. Two strangers who awaken hope.
Astina struggles against the darkness consuming her, and Brillin endures life in a beast's body, yet for eight years they've survived relying on only each other.
Then a gentle, silver-haired mage and a bold prince who believes in love at first sight arrive with promises of safety, freedom-and affection neither sister expected.
But even love carries shadows, and every heart hides its own secrets. If Astina dares to feel and Brillin dares to dream, they may risk everything they've ever held dear.
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Written by Hyla.