Page 53 of Kraved By Krampus

“Your light court prejudices have no place here,” Krampus growls, obsidian horns gleaming as he steps forward.

Her perfect facade crumbles as she realizes she’s outmatched. Her eyes meet mine. “You’re choosing darkness over light?”

“I’m choosing balance.True balance.“ The words come naturally as my power flows freely. “Winter needs its shadows as much as summer needs its light.”

“The balance you seek is false.” The words flow through me, carried on by waves of magic. “Real balance comes from acceptance, not control.”

Krampus’s power pulses through our connection, dark and rich like midnight. My magic responds, spinning stories of shadow and light, weaving them together into something stronger than either alone.

Victoria raises her hands, gathering her remaining strength. “I won’t let you destroy everything we’ve built.”

The light she summons is blinding, but our combined shield holds. I feel Krampus’s satisfaction rumble through our connection as her attack dissipates harmlessly.

Together, I think, and feel his agreement echo through our bond. Our magic spirals outward, wrapping around Victoria inbands of shadow and starlight. Her eyes widen as the bands begin to contract, drawing tighter and tighter.

“No!” Her voice rises in panic as she shrinks, becoming smaller and smaller until she vanishes with a final flash of light.

I turn to Krampus, my eyes wide. “Did you just send her to hell?”

His deep chuckle vibrates through our still-joined hands. “No, little mate. Just somewhere she’ll have time to think about what she’s tried to do.” His red eyes gleam with amusement. “And perhaps learn to appreciate balance.”

I look around at the gathered townspeople, their faces a mix of awe and uncertainty. The remnants of our battle with Victoria litter the square—shattered ice, scattered books, and the lingering scent of magic. All the light warriors disappeared when she did.

My fingers are still intertwined with Krampus’s, and I squeeze his hand.No more hiding.

“Everyone, I need to say something.” My voice carries across the square, steady despite my racing heart. The whispers quiet as faces turn toward us.

“I’m Clara Goodheart.”Deep breath. “And everything you know about me is a lie.”

Whispers ripple through the crowd. I spot Hank in his doorway, Mrs. Redmond on her steps, all watching.

“I didn’t write sweet, wholesome holiday romances because that’s who I am. I wrote them because I was afraid.” My voice grows stronger with each word. “Afraid of my own power. Afraid of the darkness inside me. Afraid of beingdifferent.”

Krampus remains silent behind me, but I feel his presence like a warm shadow.

“But you know what? I know the darkness isn’t evil. The shadows aren’t wrong.” I reach back, finding his hand again. “And neither is loving someone society tells you to fear.”

His fingers tighten around mine as I turn to face him. Those crimson eyes that once terrified me now feel like home.

“I choose you.” The words come easily now. “I choose us. Let them write whatever headlines they want.”

His other hand cups my face, claws gentle against my skin. “Are you certain, little mate? There’s no going back.”

“I’ve never been more sure of anything.”

I rise on my tiptoes, pressing my lips to his in full view of everyone. Magic sparks between us, wild and wonderful andright.

When we break apart, I notice Mrs. Redmond beaming from the library steps. Hank raises a steaming mug in salute from his café doorway. The children giggle and whisper.

As laughter and joy fill the square, I finally understand—it is not the tales we tell that define us, but the truth we dare to live.

Chapter twenty-six

Clara

The aftermath of the battle leaves my fingers tingling with residual magic. I trace the frost patterns on a nearby windowpane, watching as they shift and dance under my touch.

Mrs. Redmond settles into her chair at the library, sliding an ancient leather-bound book across the table. “Your mother knew what you would become. She left this for you.”

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