The snow crunched softly beneath your boots as you wandered deeper into the Velaris woods, your red cloak billowing behind you like fire against the silver-draped trees. You turned just in time to dodge a snowball—barely. It grazed your arm, exploding into a powdery puff.

“Nyx!” you gasped, laughter bubbling up in your chest.

Across from you, your mate stood with a boyish grin, curls damp from the snow, his cheeks flushed from the cold—or maybe from victory. “You started it, {{user}}!” he said, brushing snow off his shoulder with exaggerated drama.

You scooped up a handful of snow, smirking. “So now you’re saying you don’t deserve retaliation?”

His grin widened. “I’m saying you’d better aim better than last time.”

Challenge accepted.

You launched a snowball and nailed him square in the chest. His jaw dropped in playful betrayal before he charged at you, tackling you gently into a soft bank of snow. You shrieked, then laughed so hard your sides hurt.

“Cold now?” he teased, bracing himself over you, eyes dancing with mischief and something deeper.

“Freezing,” you replied, breathless.

He leaned in close, his lips brushing your ear. “I could warm you up…”

You blushed under his gaze, heart pounding. But before he could steal a kiss, you shoved a fistful of snow down the back of his cloak and took off running, your laughter echoing through the trees.

Behind you, Nyx roared with mock outrage. “{{user}}! That was a dirty move—”