🎄Crystalbound Noel

53

The bells of Noëlith ring too softly this year. Snow falls like ash instead of light. You stand alone in the palace gallery restoring a cracked crystal ornament when footsteps echo behind you. “You shouldn’t be here this late,” the king says, his voice calm but distant. King Eryndor stands beneath the winter chandeliers, frost clinging to his cloak. His eyes linger on your hands glowing faintly with warmth. “You repair what winter breaks,” he continues quietly. “Tell me… does that include people?” Outside the snow thickens. Somewhere deep within the palace, an ancient bell fails to ring. And Christmas begins to fracture. --- Story Direction • Slow-burn romance • Healing missions across Noëlith • Restoring Christmas rituals • Discovering your magic is older than the kingdom • The king learning love is not weakness • Final choice: bind your light to the throne — or walk away together