Book Six: Chapter 44

A few villagers approached the riders with weapons of their own, but were quickly dispatched by arrow or blade. Younger Yuki stood tall and proud, but Yuki knew the grim truth. She had been absolutely terrified of these men and what they represented. Constantly on the run, Japan had begun to feel terribly small. Everywhere she went, she drew either those who feared her or desired her power. China was so much bigger than Japan, but it only meant she would have to run that much farther.

“Give us the witch,” they demanded. “Or we kill everyone.”

The scene paused while Christmas Past moved among the frozen people as if inspecting them for flaws. It arched one eyebrow, and then faced Yuki. “Do you remember what happened on this day?”

Yuki swallowed the lump in her throat. “Please don’t make me watch,” she begged.

Christmas Past smiled, and snapped their fingers. The past played out, and younger Yuki fled into her hut. When the newcomers moved toward the hut, the v