Book Six: Chapter 198

He finally understood the true price that magic demanded. Mike took a deep breath, willing the magic to extend through his limbs instead of lashing out. It was already seeking an outlet, crying out to obey his needs. What he needed right now was to stay strong until an opportunity presented itself, and so it obeyed.

Unlike the Krampus’ situation, Mike’s choice was ultimately his. The Krampus had been created by a limitation of the magic, and the ramifications were long lasting. Mike could choose to blast the Krampus with lightning and further his own journey toward darkness, or find a different way. The last thing he wanted was to be standing in the Krampus’ shoes in twenty or thirty years, with someone else desperately trying to take him down.

“I see you’re finally getting it.” The Krampus snarled and swung at the air. “I rarely had a choice, Caretaker. I am the spirit of Christmas, and I am foul, angry, and broken. And I intend to take it back.”

“By stealing chil