Page 78 of The Krampus's First Christmas Gift

Jasper nodded. “Maybe a robe with a fur trim. We can try out different styles to see what you are comfortable with.”

Kraghol gazed at the snow-covered street ahead. He took in the buildings with light glowing in the windows. He swallowed. “I suppose there are many new things I will need to get used to—” He took a deep breath. “—if we are going to live in the city.”

Kraghol had not thought it possible. Even when they’d decided to enter Anorra to go to Jasper’s house, he’d not truly believed he could make a life here. The plan had been to go to Jasper’s home, trying to be as inconspicuous as possible. But he’d still assumed they’d face some trouble on the way. Then he’d planned to stay hidden in Jasper’s apartment until they worked out what to do next.

But considering how tonight had been going, he thought that maybe they could at least try living here.

Jasper kissed his arm. “Whatever we face, we face together. I’ll be right here, helping you get used to everything. After all, we are mates.”

Mates.Kraghol smiled. “Thank you, Jasper. That is a great comfort.” And it was. As he gazed around at this city, which had always seemed so vast and never-ending, knowing Jasper was with him meant a great deal.

A few city folk stared at him. But no one seemed upset or made a fuss. The clothes, it seemed, changed everything! And perhaps it was also because he walked hand in hand with a human. Maybe Jasper’s presence proved that Kraghol did not need to be feared.

“I can’t believe that no one has screamed yet.” Kraghol let out a breath. “I’m so relieved.”

“Me too.” Jasper pulled him to a stop. “Now we could go straight to my home. That was the plan. But I think it is going really well, and if you are open to it, we could do something else.”

“What?”

“We could stop by the Christmas markets. It shouldn’t be too busy tonight, since it’s Christmas Eve. But we can leave at any time. It’s entirely up to you.”

The Christmas markets.Kraghol had dreamed of going there with Jasper. But it had always seemed like an impossible wish. He’d heard Jasper speak of it so often and with so much joy. Could Kraghol really go?

Jasper seemed to think so.

“All right.” Kraghol gave a shaky smile. “Let’s try.”

Chapter

Forty-Two

Kraghol stared ahead as Jasper led him towards the Christmas markets. Music and chatter grew louder. More people moved along the streets. But still, no one shrieked or screamed at the sight of him. Although, quite a few glanced his way.

Could it really be this easy? Just a change of clothes and a human by my side?

“The Christmas markets.” Jasper gestured. “I hope they live up to your expectations.”

Kraghol, Jasper, and Kali walked beneath a wooden arch covered in greenery and baubles. Decorated Christmas trees towered above quaint wooden stalls.

Kraghol gazed at the wares on offer. He didn’t recognise most of the items. Part of him wanted to ask Jasper what everything was. But another part just wanted to soak it all in.

They paused in front of a children’s choir. Kraghol gaped to hear the otherworldly voices. “They sound so lovely.” Jasper leaned against him as they stood and listened.

From there they moved on, and Kraghol watched an incubus playing a ring toss game.

“They are trying to get the ring over the stick,” Jasper explained. “If they do so, then they win a prize.”

“I see.” For several minutes, Kraghol and Jasper watched. “What prize do they win?”

“The winner can choose from those prizes up at the top there.”

Kraghol nodded, looking them over. His gaze snagged on one of the prizes.

“Do you want to have a go?” Jasper asked.

“Oh… I don’t know. I doubt I’d be any good.” He gave a shaky laugh.

With a smile, Jasper turned to the troll who appeared to be running the game. “Fifteen rings please,” Jasper said and paid.