Page 15 of The Krampus's First Christmas Gift

His legs ached as he ran as fast as he could. His lungs fought for air. They screamed at him to stop.

Kali barked as she continued the chase.

Jasper clutched at his chest. He wheezed. The other two got further and further ahead. Jasper struggled to keep up.

His vision blurred. Still, he kept running, kept pushing himself onwards. He had to keep going!

He knew he should stop. But he couldn’t. He had to keep going! Something kept urging him on.

This creature has the answers!If Jasper got them, then maybe he could finally be at peace and the aching, yearning need burning inside him would let him be.

“Please! Stop!” Jasper screamed.

His legs shook. Unable to keep going, Jasper dropped to his knees. He tilted his head back, trying to get air into his constricting airways. The trees, sky, and sun spun around and around above him.

He swayed. He heard Kali bark. Jasper shoved his hands into the snow, trying to steady himself. His whole body trembled.

The world jerked sideways as he collapsed into the snow.

Chapter

Nine

Oh no. Oh no. Oh no.

Kraghol sprinted towards Jasper’s limp form.

He’d heard Jasper calling out. He’d glanced back in time to watch Jasper collapse. He’d stopped, stomach tightening. He’d run back, Kali at his heels.

Jasper lay unconscious in the snow.

This is all my fault. I got too close once again.But he’d heard Jasper cry out in pain and had to come closer.

Kraghol fell to his knees. He looked over Jasper’s body. “Please be okay.”

Kali circled Jasper, whimpering softly.

With trembling hands, he reached forward. He hesitated before touching Jasper and rolling him onto his back. Jasper’s eyes remained shut, his skin pale. Snow stuck to his clothes, skin, and hair. He touched Jasper’s cheek.

“He’s cold.” Kraghol glanced at Kali. “What should I do?”

Kali nuzzled Jasper’s side.

Kraghol didn’t know what that meant. But he didn’t think Jasper should remain out here. He wrapped his arms around Jasper’s slender frame and stood. He was reminded of Jasper’slifeless body when he’d pulled him from the water. At least this time, Jasper breathed.

“I’m so sorry.” Kraghol walked in the direction of his cave. “I hadn’t meant for you to see me. I hadn’t meant for you to try and chase me. But why did you collapse?”

That didn’t make any sense to Kraghol. They hadn’t run that far. He didn’t think humans just randomly collapsed if they ran. But maybe it was too cold for him out here. Or maybe humans were weaker than he thought.

Kali followed along behind him. Kraghol stared down into Jasper’s face.

“Please be okay. Please.” Kraghol wished for some movement, a fluttering of eyelashes or an opening of an eye. He increased his strides, desperate to get Jasper out of the cold.

When he reached his cave, he placed Jasper on his bed comprised of a pile of furs. Kali jumped up beside Jasper, snuggling close.

“Good, Kali.” Kraghol stroked her. “You keep him warm.”

She lay down on Jasper’s chest, gazing down into his face.