Chapter 5

The insistent sound of knocking roused me from my slumber. I slowly opened my eyes, blinking away the lingering blur from my vision. As I surveyed my room, my gaze fell on my bedroom door, slightly ajar. My mum's head peeked around the door.

"Merry Christmas, sweetheart," she greeted, her voice bright and cheerful.

Grinning, I propped myself up in bed. "Merry Christmas, mum," I returned, my smile reflecting hers.

"See you downstairs in a bit," she said, casting one more smile my way before gently closing the door behind her.

Today marked the joy of Christmas, with the anticipation of the Mating Ball lurking just three days away. Rising from my bed, I moved to the bathroom to freshen up. A quick brush of my teeth and splash of water on my face later, I sat down at my dressing table. My special Christmas onesie was laid out, evoking a content smile. With a few strokes of the hairbrush, I allowed my hair to fall naturally down my back.

At nine in the morning, it