It was Christmas Eve at Grandma’s house, and snow was falling silently. The Christmas tree sparkled with lights, and the air was filled with the scent of gingerbread and tangerines. Lila and Olek were hanging paper hearts on the branches when a small silver bell suddenly rolled out from under the table. The bell gave off a warm sound, like Santa’s laughter. Beside it lay a card with a green elf stamp. Lila read aloud: Help! The sleigh bell is missing! She looked at Olek with wide eyes. Olek whispered, “Let’s find it before the first star shines bright.” They opened the balcony door and saw footprints in the fresh snow. They were tiny — like those of a reindeer wearing children’s shoes. In the distance, something jingled softly, like glass singing in the wind. The tracks led beneath the Christmas tree in the garden, straight into the darkness. Lila lifted the bell — and just then, a sudden thud echoed nearby. Behind the spruce, something stirred the lights. A red glow flashed. Someone poked their nose out from behind a branch... and hurried right past them.