Page 65 of The Krampus's First Christmas Gift

Kraghol broke into a run.

“Krampus! Krampus!” those he passed cried out.

The people of Anorra had thought themselves safe. They’d thought the horrid krampuses had departed. Then they’d seen him.

As he sprinted through the streets, the city folk saw him. They screamed and shouted. They darted out of his way, fleeing before him in terror.

It was just like when he’d tried to enter Anorra all those years ago.

Nothing has changed!

Kraghol’s breath came fast as he dashed through the streets. But he didn’t know Anorra that well. He ran down an alley. It led to a dead end. He turned around. He ran back the way he’d come. Shrieks followed him.

Finally, he made it to the city’s edge. But he kept sprinting, pushing himself onwards. He ran and ran until the trees hid him and he could see the city no more. He leaned against a trunk, gasping for breath.

For a moment, he’d gotten lost in an impossible dream where he and Jasper could be together. He’d gotten so used to seeing himself through Jasper’s eyes that he’d forgotten for one moment how everyone else saw him.

But now he remembered.

I’m a krampus. A repulsive and ugly monster.

He would not forget again so soon.

Chapter

Thirty-Four

“This one is perfect, don’t you think?” Jasper pointed at a pine tree. It was a little bit taller than Kraghol but not by much. Jasper estimated it would fit in Kraghol’s cave without touching the roof.

“It looks good. But you are the expert on Christmas trees.” Kraghol hefted the axe, which Jasper had brought from home. “Should I chop it?”

“Chop away.”

Thunk. Thunk. Thunk.The axe hit the trunk over and over, bits of wood chipping and scattering amongst the snow. After a few minutes, a loud crack sounded. The tree gave and fell over.

Kali darted towards the fallen tree, sniffing the branches and hopping amongst them. Jasper took the axe from Kraghol, who grabbed the tree trunk. They headed back to the cave.

It was Christmas Eve. The night before, Jasper had realised Kraghol did not have a Christmas tree. He’d felt foolish for overlooking it. After all, it was the most central Christmas decoration. But at least they’d have it up in time for Christmas.

They walked silently for a couple of minutes, Kraghol dragging the tree behind him.

“So do you want to hear about the developments between Trent and Malachi?” Jasper referred to the siren his youngest brother had been seeing. A few days ago, there relationship had ended. At least temporarily.

“Are they good developments?” Kraghol asked.

“They are.” And Jasper launched into the story of their reunion. Jasper hadn’t been there himself. But he’d been filled in. Multiple times.

“I am pleased for your brother,” Kraghol said.

“Me too.” Jasper smiled. “I hated seeing him so heartbroken.”

“And how are Leo, Percy, and the others?” Kraghol asked.

“Good. Everyone has fully recovered.”

Percy had recently gotten his memories back. Unfortunately it had caused problems between him and Leo. Percy had then returned to his family and their factory. Then he’d been attacked by those who’d previously attacked him when he’d first lost his memories. Leo, along with several of the family, had gone to save him.

Jasper had been too unwell to go along. Thankfully he’d not been needed.