Page 46 of Kraved By Krampus

Chapter twenty-two

Clara

The snow crunches under my boots as I walk down Winterhaven’s main street, lost in thought about everything Mrs. Redmond revealed about my mother. A flash of white catches my eye.

“Noelle, darling!” Victoria’s pristine figure stands out against the rustic storefronts, her silver bob gleaming in the winter sun. “What a delightful coincidence.”

My stomach drops.How is she here? This is a magical town.“Victoria? I didn’t expect to see you here.”

“Oh, a friend has a little vacation home nearby.” She waves her manicured hand dismissively. “I simply adore these quaint mountain villages. Perfect for clearing the mind and finding inspiration, don’t you agree?”

Something feels off about her explanation, but I can’t put my finger on what. The temperature seems to drop several degrees as she approaches.

“You look like you could use a warm drink.” Victoria loops her arm through mine. “I spotted the most charming café just down the street.”

Before I can protest, she’s steering me toward The Frost & Flame Cafe. I’m trying to process her casual demeanor.She saw Krampus in his full terrifying glory. Why isn’t she freaking out?

“I’ve been meaning to catch up with you about your next book.” Victoria’s heels click against the cobblestones. “After our last meeting was so... unexpectedly interrupted.”

My chest tightens at the memory of Krampus’s hurt expression.Don’t think about him now.

The café‘s warmth wraps around me like a blanket, but Victoria’s presence keeps me from fully relaxing. The comforting scent of cinnamon and fresh-baked goods does nothing to settle my nerves.

Hank looks up from behind the counter, his frost-tipped beard twitching as his gaze moves between us. His usual welcoming smile falters for just a moment.

“The usual for you, Noelle?” His deep voice carries across the empty café.

“Yes, please.”

“And for your... friend?” Hank’s hesitation is subtle, but I catch it.At least someone else senses something’s wrong.

Victoria perches herself on a leather armchair near the window. “Oh, just a plain green tea, thank you.” She smooths her pristine white skirt. “Nothing fancy.”

I sink into the chair across from her, clutching my bag close.How is she acting like nothing happened? Like she didn’t see an eight-foot-tall horned being materialize in my kitchen?

Hank brings our drinks over, setting mine down with extra care. His cork-soled boots make no sound on the hardwood floor, but I notice how he positions himself slightly between Victoria and me before stepping away.

“Now then,” Victoria takes a delicate sip of her tea, “about that contract—”

“Aren’t we going to talk about what happened?” The words burst out before I can stop them. “About what you saw?”

She blinks at me, her perfectly lined eyes showing no trace of concern. “Oh, that little... disruption? These things happen in publishing, darling. Creative differences can get quite heated.”

Creative differences? Is that what we’re calling it when ancient winter deities manifest in my kitchen?

Victoria leans forward, her silver jewelry catching the light. “You know, darling, I’ve been doing some research since our... encounter. The stories about this creature—”

“His name is Krampus.” The words come out sharper than intended.

“Yes, well.” She stirs her tea with precise movements. “The historical accounts are quite disturbing. Children beaten with branches, carried away in chains...” Her perfectly manicured nail traces the rim of her cup. “And now he’s somehow involved with your writing retreat?”

My stomach churns.But that’s not what I saw. He was gentle with those children, protective even.“Those are just old stories, Victoria. Folk tales get distorted over time.”

“Do they?” Her smile doesn’t reach her eyes. “I’ve known you for years, Noelle. Built your career. This dark turn isn’t like you.” She reaches across and pats my hand. “I’m worried about his influence.”

Years of friendship, years of guidance...The doubt creeps in like frost on a window. I think about the children in the forest,how naturally they responded to him. But then there were those chains he summoned, the way the shadows bent to his will...

“The children at the Academy—”

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