Page 16 of Tempted By the Orc

Rue didn’t move, her eyes locked on him. “Is this what you wanted, Azrael? To take the power of Christmas?”

Azrael smiled, a cruel, twisted smile. “Christmas is a lie—a fantasy for children. But you, my dear, are the key to something much greater.”

Just as he reached out to touch her, I moved. In one swift motion, I grabbed him by the shoulder and yanked him back.

Azrael stumbled, his expression twisting into fury as he whirled to face me. “You,” he spat, his eyes flashing with anger. “The Orc.”

I didn’t give him time to react. I swung my fist, catching him square in the jaw. Azrael staggered back, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth.

“You’re not taking her,” I growled, my voice low and dangerous. “Not today. Not ever.”

Azrael snarled, his voice filled with venom. “You can’t stop me.”

But before he could make another move, I grabbed the enchanted ropes we had hidden beneath the garlands and looped them around his wrists. He struggled, but I pulled the ropes tight, forcing him into the chair we had prepared.

“What is this?” Azrael hissed, his voice rising in panic as the ropes glowed with a golden light, binding him to the rungs.

“You’re not as powerful as you think,” I said coldly, stepping back as the magic of the treehouse began to pulse around us.

Rue moved to the door, her face calm but resolute, and then I joined her on the threshold. Together we stepped outside, and I pulled the door shut behind us. Rue held the golden key in her hand. Inserting it into the keyhole, with a soft click she locked the door, sealing Azrael inside. Outside we could hear his screams of rage.

The moment the door locked, the magic of the treehouse surged. The walls shimmered, turning transparent like glass, and the garlands glowed brighter, pulsing with power. The entire structure began to rotate, spinning faster and faster, and then it began to dissolve into snow in a blizzard of magic.

At the same time, I watched, amazed, as the Dark King’s henchmen began to melt like snowmen, their bodies becoming smaller and smaller, disappearing into the earth.

Azrael’s voice rose in desperation as the treehouse continued to crumble around him. But it was too late. The magic had taken hold.

With one final flash of light, the treehouse was gone.

Azrael and his minions were no more.

Outside, the clearing was still. Snow fell softly, the wind having calmed, and for the first time in what felt like forever, there was peace.

Prancer approached, his eyes wide with wonder. “It’s over,” he whispered, his voice filled with awe. “The elves...they’re free. And Christmas is saved.”

Santa let out a deep breath, a wide smile spreading across his face. “We did it,” he said, his voice filled with relief.

But there was still work to be done. Christmas was coming, and the world was waiting.

Santa turned to Rue, his expression soft but serious. “Will you lead the sleigh tonight?”

Rue’s eyes filled with tears. “Of course,” she said softly. “I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else, Father. There is much joy to spread this year.”

Santa smiled, his eyes filled with pride. “Indeed, it is a miracle. Thank you, my dear.”

He turned to the reindeer, who were gathered nearby, their antlers gleaming in the moonlight. “We have gifts to deliver soon, friends,” he said with a grin.

With a flick of his hand, Santa summoned the sleigh, which appeared in a burst of magic. Mrs. Claus gave Rue and me one last look, her eyes twinkling with warmth.

“We’ll see you soon,” she said, her voice soft. “Take your time.”

With that, Santa and Mrs. Claus climbed into the sleigh, and with a snap of the reins, the reindeer took off into the sky.

Rue turned to me, her soft brown eyes shimmering with emotion. We were alone now, the snow falling gently around us, the world quiet and still.

“I love you,” I whispered, my voice thick with emotion. “I’ve loved you since the moment I found you in the snow.”

Tears filled Rue’s eyes, and she smiled. “I love you too, Noel,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “More than anything.”

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