Chapter 1 - The Circle of Velvet and Fear
The grand entrance hall of the Sterling Manor glowed under the brilliant light of a giant crystal chandelier. In the center of the hall stood a towering twenty-foot Christmas tree, loaded with sparkling gold ornaments and bright warm lights. Surrounding the base of the tree was a mountain of red-and-gold wrapped gifts resting on the polished cream marble floor. But despite the festive atmosphere, six-year-old Lily was fleeing for her life around the tree, her black shoes clicking frantically against the marble. Her golden curls, held together by a rich velvet bow, bounced wildly as tears flooded her enormous blue eyes.
From opposite sides of the tree, Claire and Damon blocked her path, laughing as they held up small live mice by their tails, thrusting them toward the child's face.
"Come here, little scaredy-cat!" Claire mocked, her black evening gown swaying as she stepped forward with a cruel smile.
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Lily covered her head with her small hands, crouching beside a pile of oversized present boxes, her voice cracking with terror.
"STOP! PLEASE!" Lily sobbed, her tiny body shaking violently.
