Book Six: Chapter 201

The Krampus swatted Mike away so hard that when he landed, he had tunnel vision. Darkness crept in at the edges of his vision as the Krampus stared into Holly’s eyes.

“It’s time for you to find your inner darkness.” The Krampus bared his teeth as shadow tendrils crawled along his arm and onto Holly’s skin. She didn’t struggle--instead, she stared defiantly. The shadows moved along her face and through her hair as if searching for somewhere to burrow inside.

Somehow, Holly found the strength to hum the tune to Jingle Bells.

“You will submit, Holly!” The Krampus shook her, but she continued to hum. This enraged the Krampus, who lifted her high as if to smash her on the ground.

“That will be quite enough of that.” Death walked into the room carrying a large sack over his shoulder and a small gift box beneath his arm. He was wearing a Santa coat that was too large along with a matching hat that hung awkwardly to one side and a fake beard. When Death set the bag d