Chapter 39

He turned the handle and the door opened into a shadowy living room, lit only by the dim sunlight creeping through the snow-caked windows. A small gasp escaped him when the Christmas tree in the corner suddenly flashed on, colored lights reflecting on the tinsel and bright ornaments.

Nico rolled his shoulders, the burden he carried heavy today. He hadn’t meant to kill the butcher, that day long ago. He would never willingly have taken another’s life. But he had killed, and deserved his fate. But the children the Krampus terrorized didn’t. Tears burned his eyes for those young souls. He had to end this.

“Piter, I’m here, where you wanted me.” Nico cleared the hesitation from his voice. He had to hurry before the others came inside, saying more firmly, “Let the boy free and I’ll do anything you ask of me.”

“Seems I’ve heard that before, Nico.”