Book Six: Chapter 203

Tick Tock and Lily piled on, holding the Krampus down as Mike ran loops of magical energy all around the monster. The golden light in his hand sparkled as he pulled those loops toward him and placed Santa’s soul inside. As if by instinct, Mike pulled the loops tight, causing Santa’s soul to sink into the Krampus.

A foul energy permeated the room, and Mike was driven to his knees. Santa’s soul swirled and expanded, trying to bond with the Krampus once again. The shifting mosaic of spiritual energy was painful to look into, but Mike didn’t dare risk letting up. At times, he became disoriented, as if he had forgotten the task he was in the middle of. Losing focus, his thoughts drifted away until--

Holly took his hand and squeezed. The room came into focus once again.

“You can do this,” she whispered. “You have to.”

Mike nodded, wiping the blood from his lips. Pain blossomed inside of his head, but he willed it aside and weaved the Krampus and Santa back together