Katelina jerked awake to the sound of Rachel's voice, "Wake up! Merry Christmas!" Before she could focus on an answer, she heard the vampiress move away to the next box, where she rapped and repeated her greeting.

Jorick groaned. "I suppose this is inevitable." And, without further comment, he lifted the lid. They climbed out to find the others were already up.

"Why are you dragging us out so early?" Yaul yawned dramatically. "The sun's barely down!"

A deep voice ...