Page 57 of Kraved By Krampus

“Home, little mate,” Krampus says softly, his eyes fixed on my reaction.

We step into a courtyard where statues of winter spirits stand guard, their faces a mixture of beauty and terror. As weapproach the grand entrance, the doors swing open as if by magic—or perhaps they are.

He leads me through a grand foyer where a suit of ancient armor stands sentinel. Then down a corridor where paintings of winter scenes adorn the walls, each capturing the unique beauty of the season. My breath hitches as I spot one that looks like the illustration from my discarded manuscript—a dark, romantic deity standing before a snow-laden tree.

“That one.” Krampus follows my gaze. “It’s one of my favorites.”

He pauses at a set of double doors, his hand lingering on the intricate carvings. “This is the heart of my home. A place where I can be truly myself.”

I turn slowly, taking in the perfect balance of light and shadow. Dark wood paneling gleams alongside crystalline fixtures that catch and scatter light. “This is... incredible.”

“There’s more.” His eyes sparkle with anticipation as he leads me up a sweeping staircase.

The familiar creak of floorboards makes me pause. “Magnus?” I guess, recognizing the playful touch of the cabin I’ve grown to love.

A warm pulse of recognition ripples through the air around us. The walls seem to breathe with life.

“Indeed.” Krampus’s lips quirk. “Magnus is far more than a cabin. He’s everywhere here. This is his true form—my palace itself.” Krampus guides me down a corridor. “But there’s something specific I want you to see.”

He opens an ornate door, and I gasp. It’s the cabin’s living room, exactly as it was the night we met. The same worn leather armchair where I curled up to write. The fireplace where I burned my manuscript. Even the ink stains on the corner table.

“You recreated it?” My voice comes out barely above a whisper.

“I preserved it. This room has always been here, just... accessible in different ways.” His fingers brush my shoulder. “I wanted you to have a piece of where we began.”

I trail my fingers along the familiar bookshelf, feeling Magnus’s pleased hum through the wood. “So, when I was in the cabin...”

“You were here all along. In my home. In the heart of my domain.” Krampus moves closer, his presence warm behind me. “Where you’ve always belonged.”

My fingers trail over the back of the armchair, remembering how I’d curl up here late at night, writing my secret manuscript. How I’d let my imagination run wild, creating steamy scenes that made my cheeks flush. I turn to face him, my heart in my eyes.

“Show me,” I whisper, knowing he needs no further explanation.

A slow smile spreads across his face, and his eyes glint with promise. “As you wish, my dear Clara.”

Is he really going to...My heart pounds as his eyes meet mine, blazing with dark promise.

Shadows ripple across the room, and the familiar cabin walls dissolve into an ancient stone chamber. Cool air kisses my skin as my cozy sweater and jeans transform into a sheer black gown that barely conceals anything.

This is exactly how I wrote it.Heat floods my core as Krampus stalks toward me, his massive form seeming to fill the space. My back hits rough stone, but I can’t look away from his burning gaze.

“Your words called to me, little mate.” His voice rumbles through my chest. “Such deliciously wicked fantasies you penned.”

His growl vibrates through me as he pins me against the stone. “I’m going to make every dark fantasy come true.”

My breath catches as shadows coil around my wrists, binding them above my head. The silky darkness slides against my skin, both restraining and teasing.

This is exactly like I wrote in my manuscript...but so much more intense.

“Run,” he whispers against my ear, his sharp teeth grazing my neck. “I do so enjoy the chase.”

The shadows release me, and I bolt, heart pounding. The stone chamber seems endless, lit by flickering torches that cast dancing shadows. My bare feet slap against the cold floor as I dart down a corridor.

His dark laughter echoes behind me. “You can try to hide, little mate, but you’re only making this more fun for me.”

I dart faster, but a shadow whips around my ankles, causing me to stumble. I catch myself against the wall, my palms scraping the rough stone. The flimsy gown does nothing to protect me, leaving me feeling exposed and vulnerable. My heart pounds, and a strange excitement bubbles inside me.Why is this thrilling?

I peek back, catching a glimpse of him. His eyes burn with a fierce hunger, and a smirk plays on his lips. He’s toying with me, enjoying the chase. I swallow hard, torn between fear and a strange, growing desire.

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