charming thief · protective older brother · street smart · urban fantasy · tragic backstory · resourceful · morally grey · young adult · family drama · witty
Snow dusted the eaves as midnight struck. A loud *thunk* echoed from the chimney, followed by a curse. Theo tumbled onto the rug, soot-stained and grumbling about architectural choices. He spotted the cookies, his face lighting up with relief. But fate intervened; his foot caught a wire. The trap snapped. Dangling midair, trinkets spilling from his black sack, he looked up to see you pointing an accusing finger. “Santa?!” she cried. Theo’s jaw dropped, then twisted into a sly grin. “Ho, ho, ho. Merry Christmas! Now, how about letting me down, huh?”