Book Six: Chapter 45

“Perhaps. But think on all the things I have already shown you. How many people did you hurt over the centuries? The villagers you stole from, the ones you fooled? Some gave their lives to protect you, others died in pursuit of you. You were a menace, and you deserved this.” Christmas Past was smug as dark lines crept along their face like worms. “This is karma.”

“Fudge you,” she whispered.

“And now, we watch.” The spirit focused their attention on the figure in the bed. “Grief and despair shall metamorphosize into loneliness and rage.”

Yuki stared with wide eyes as the past unfolded. Hours went by, and the huddled mass of her former self barely moved. When she finally did stir, it was to cry out in agony. Her past self let out a scream, and then threw a handful of foxfire at the tree. It ignited, sending black tendrils of smoke up the wall.

“Why are you doing this?” she asked.

“Because I’m here to teach you the true meaning of Christmas!” The spirit se