The Seventh Year's Snow Burial

1.

Christmas Eve.

The grandfather clock in the hall chimed for midnight.

The elaborate dishes on the long dining table were cold.

Sophia Costello sat on the velvet sofa, counting the seconds. Ten seconds later, the heavy oak doors of the Costello Manor were pushed open by a man, right on schedule.

"Why aren't you in bed?"

Julian Costello frowned, his eyes fixed on the figure on the sofa, clad only in a silk nightgown.

"I've told you before. No nightgowns in the main hall."

Hearing his vo