Book Six: Chapter 204

“You’ve all been really good this year,” he whispered, then looked down at Holly. “And you never fail to impress me, my dear Holly. I am so proud of you.”

Holly threw her arms around Santa. He patted her on the head affectionately, then looked at Mike. “The North Pole is unclaimed,” he said. “Should you wish it--”

“No.” Mike shook his head immediately. “This place, it’s too big of a job for someone like me.”

Santa nodded, then moved to go back through the caves. Yuki melted her ice walls as they went, the group walking in silence as they returned to the North Pole. The small bit of magic brightened at their approach, and Santa stared at the artifact in reverence.

“So, wait? We’re just going to let this guy have it all back?” Lily moved between Santa and the North Pole. “Were none of you paying attention to me earlier?”

“I was,” Mike said, pondering the situation. If they let Santa reclaim it, they were effectively setting a timer for when he went out of