Page 15 of Kraved By Krampus

“Thank you.” Her voice is soft, intimate in the quiet hallway. “For saving that boy. For showing me there’s more to the stories.”

My thumb traces circles on her waist where I still hold her. She shivers, pupils dilating. The air grows thick with possibility.

So easy to close this distance. To taste those lips again...

But the shadows under her eyes remind me why we’re here. She needs rest, not my selfish desires. More importantly, she needs to trust that I won’t take advantage of her vulnerable state.

I lean down, pressing my lips to her forehead instead. “Sweet dreams, sugarplum.”

Her sharp intake of breath sends another wave of her scent washing over me. I force myself to step back, dropping my hands to my sides.

“Sleep well.” I turn away before I can change my mind, striding down the hallway as Magnus softly closes her door behind me.

I pause at the bottom of the stairs, running a hand over my face. Clara’s scent lingers on my clothes, making it difficult to focus.

Get it together. She needs time.

I shake off the lingering desire and stride toward the kitchen.Focus on something productive.

Magnus adjusts the lighting as I enter, casting a warm glow over the copper pots hanging above the island. The kettle slides forward on the counter, a gentle reminder that Clara enjoys her morning tea.

“No, old friend. Something more special than tea.” I open the pantry, searching for the ancient spice rack. “She deserves a proper winter welcome drink.”

The old cabinet doors swing open, revealing my collection of magical ingredients. Crystal bottles filled with morning dew collected from frost flowers. Vials of liquid starlight. Powdered aurora borealis.

“What do you think? Something to ease her awakening?”

The spice rack rotates, stopping at a jar of crystallized honey from the Winter Court’s sacred bees. A good start.

I gather ingredients, setting them on the counter. The honey, dried snowberries, and a pinch of ground moonstone for pleasant dreams. A shelf shifts, presenting a bottle of cream from Arctic reindeer.

“Perfect choice.”

Magnus dims the lights further as I work, creating the optimal environment for brewing magical beverages. The kettle fills itself with spring water from the deepest mountain caves.

I measure each ingredient with precision, stirring three times clockwise with a silver spoon. The mixture glows softly, tiny sparkles dancing through the cream-colored liquid like the season’s first snowfall.

“This should help her wake feeling refreshed and...” The temperature in the room drops slightly. “Yes, yes, I know. No enchantments to influence her feelings. Just something to ensure sweet dreams and a gentle awakening.”

The pantry door rattles in what I choose to interpret as approval. I pour the mixture into a crystal goblet etched with protective runes. When Clara drinks this in the morning, she’ll experience the peaceful sensation of waking up to the winter’s first snow—that moment of quiet wonder before the world fully stirs.

I place the goblet in a stasis bubble to keep it perfectly warm, then set it on her bedside table. Magic ripples through the air as I slip into her room, careful not to wake her.

Clara lies curled on her side, one hand tucked under her cheek. Her golden hair spills across the pillow, and her face holds such peace in sleep that my chest tightens.

My mate. My miracle.

I resist the urge to brush a strand of hair from her face. Instead, I withdraw silently, leaving her to her dreams.

Chapter ten

Clara

Cinnamon and clove drift through my dreams, tugging me from the depths of sleep. My eyes flutter open to find sunlight streaming through frost-covered windows. The aroma grows stronger, richer.

I stretch, joints popping as memories of yesterday filter back.Did I really almost kiss him twice? Did he really save that child?My fingers drift to my forehead where his lips had pressed so gently before leaving me at my door.

A steaming mug sits on my bedside table, tendrils of fragrant steam curling upward. Next to it lies a folded note in elegant script:

---