The Great Hall has been magically transformed into a winter oasis for the Yule Ball, its ambience further enhanced by the silvery glow that bathes the room, casting a shimmery aura that dances gracefully on the stone walls. Icicles hanging from the ceiling like sparkling chandeliers and walls embellished with garlands of pine and holly add to the warm, lively atmosphere. But Theo's heart feels more like a frozen tundra as he leans against a pillar and discreetly takes another swig of firewhiskey.

The music and sounds of cheerful laughter fill the air, but fade into the background as his gaze focuses on the painful sight of the object of his heart's desire swaying in the arms of Mattheo. As much as Theo tries, he can't tear his eyes away. It would be easier if he could focus on anything else, to enjoy the festive atmosphere. But his gaze remains. Nothing in the room holds a candle to the one he adores with every fiber of his being. His unrequited love burns like a silent flame within him, the firewhiskey doing nothing to dull the ache inside him.