As the children prepared for bed, Aki and Alice were the first to finish up and head to the living room where Alfia was going to read to them tonight. The fire crackled warmly, casting dancing shadows on the stone walls, creating an inviting atmosphere. Alfia, with her calm demeanor and gentle smile, sat in her favorite armchair, an old, leather-bound book resting on her lap.

  "Bell, where are you, silly brother?" Alice called, her voice filled with anticipation.

  "I'm coming, Alice and Aki. Just one minute," Bell responded from his room. Moments later, he appeared in the doorway, holding two neatly wrapped packages. His eyes sparkled with excitement as he approached his sisters.

  "Huh. Bell, what are those?" Aki asked, her curiosity piqued as she eyed the packages.

  "I saw you looking at these earlier, and I got them for you," Bell said, a proud smile spreading across his face as he handed a package to each of the girls.

  Alice reacted first, carefully unwrapping the gift presented to her. A delicate silver chain ran through her fingers, ending in a pendant embellished with the World Tree Yggdrasil. The intricate branches wrapped around the pendant, with barely perceptible leaves etched into the metal. She gazed at it, eyes wide with wonder, as the light caught the fine details.

  Next, Aki slowly unwrapped her own gift. Inside, she found a fine golden chain leading to a pendant depicting the mighty Mjolnir. Streaks of lightning radiated from the hammer, wrapping around the pendant in a dynamic display. She stared at it in awe, feeling the weight of the legend it represented.

  "Thanks, Bell!" Alice shouted, throwing herself at her brother with such force that he was nearly knocked off his feet. Her hug was tight and full of joy, a spontaneous expression of her delight.

  "Bell… Uhm… Thank you," Aki said softly as she approached him. She gently wrapped her arms around him, nuzzling against his shoulder in a tender gesture. Bell stood there, surprised by their reactions, fidgeting awkwardly until he finally returned the hug.

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  “AHH!!! Bell, you have to put the necklace on Aki. Just like Grandpa said,” Alice exclaimed, grinning mischievously.

  Bell gulped, his nerves evident, but Aki nodded at the suggestion and turned around, allowing Bell to place the necklace around her neck. Bell’s hands shook slightly as he undid the clasp and brought the chain around Aki’s neck. He carefully fastened it, ensuring the pendant hung securely.

  “There you go, Aki,” Bell said, his voice tinged with nervousness.

  “Thank you, Bell,” Aki replied, her ears and tail twitching back and forth with happiness.

  “My turn,” Alice chimed in, handing Bell her necklace. She turned around, her excitement palpable. Bell took the necklace, repeating the process with a bit more confidence this time. He fastened it around Alice’s neck, making sure the pendant lay perfectly against her chest.

  “Perfect!” Alice declared, admiring her new necklace.

  “Well, I see that you gave them their gifts, Bell?” Alfia said from the doorway, entering the room with a book resting on her hip.

  “Yes, Auntie,” Bell replied, looking down, a hint of shyness in his voice.

  “Good. Now it’s time for your story before bed. Gather round,” Alfia instructed as she sat on the couch. The children quickly settled around her, their new necklaces catching the firelight.

  Once they were comfortable, Alfia opened the book and began to read.

  The Legends of the Knights of Fianna.

  Her voice was smooth and steady, drawing them into a world of ancient magic and legendary heroes. The children listened intently, their eyes wide with wonder as the tale unfolded.

  The room was warm and cozy, the fire crackling softly in the hearth. As Alfia continued to read, the children slowly succumbed to sleep one by one. Alice was the first, her head resting on Bell’s shoulder, followed by Aki, who curled up against Alice, her ears and tail twitching gently in her dreams. Bell fought to stay awake, but eventually, his eyes closed, and his breathing steadied into the rhythm of sleep.

  Seeing them all peacefully asleep, Alfia quietly closed the book. She carefully lifted Aki and carried her to her bed, tucking her in with gentle hands. She then returned for Alice, who murmured softly but didn’t wake as she was placed under her blanket. Finally, Alfia brought Bell to his room, pulling the covers over him with a tender smile.

  She stood for a moment in the doorway, watching them all sleep for but a few moments. Closing the door softly, she made her way back to the living room, the fire now burning low, casting a soft glow. The night was peaceful, but Alfia knew that the children were going to face many challenges.