I’ve worked for the Head Cupid for years. They are the only cupid who can move between any realm effortlessly; it makes sense that it’s the same for reapers.
“Wait, and you can’t?” I ask Krampus.
“No, Santa is the first being of the realm,” he says easily.
“I have to go,” Mortem says, and if it weren’t for the clear fear written in his eyes, I’d panic. “There’s been a serious catastrophe on Earth. I have to call in as many reapers as possible to manage the influx of new souls.”
He takes a few steps toward us and holds out two necklaces with an obsidian stone in the center.
“This will portal you to my home in Purgatory. You just need to hold it and whisper my name.”
“Now he’s manipulating us into whispering his name when he isn’t even fucking us,” Krampus complains, but places the necklace around his neck.
“It’s the Latin word for death,” Mortem says with a roll of his eyes. He sits next to me and pets my hair. “The only reason I’m leaving is because I have to. You have access to my home, but as soon as this is done, I’ll be back.”
“You promise?”
“I promise. Enjoy the Krampus, don’t break him,” he says, glancing over at Krampus with a smile. “That’s my job.”
He kisses my hair one last time before portaling out of the room in a quick mist of smoke.
I longingly glance at the empty space he left behind, and Krampus grabs my hand and presses a gentle kiss to my knuckles.
“He’ll be back,” he promises. “In the meantime, let’s get you cleaned up. Tomorrow, I can show you everything the North Pole has to offer.”
“I’d like that.” I truly mean it. I want to understand all the different parts of Krampus’ personality.
When I wake up in the morning, it’s to a crackling fire, and a warm, large body behind me.
“Morning,” he says, nuzzling my shoulders, his horns hitting the padded bedframe behind us.
“What do you have planned for today?”
“A day full of surprises. You don’t have to be in Cupidale?”
I turn around in his arms, smiling at his crazy bed head. I’m sure mine’s just as ridiculous.
“I haven’t taken a day off in years. Actually, I’ve probably worked more overtime than necessary. I’m good to stay.”
“Good, let’s get you dressed for the cold and grab breakfast,” he says.
“Oh, I only have my pajamas.”
With a shake of his head, he gets out of the bed. No issues with nudity at all as he heads over to the Christmas tree where he points to a basket of pink clothing I’ve never seen before.
“Where did that come from?”
“You forget all my friends are elves.”
I quickly get out of bed and inspect the outfit; it’s beautiful. The softest pink cashmere sweater, black fleece-lined pants,snow boots with pink faux fur and a jacket to match. All that looks to be in my size.
“How do they know my size?”
“I’m not sure how, but the elves know everything. Go get ready, we have a lot to explore,” he says, smacking my ass as I grab the clothes and head to the bathroom.
Not only does Krampus want to spend the day with me, he wants me to meet his friends and explore his home. I’m giddy with excitement, even though there’s a lingering worry for Mortem. He hasn’t come back. Did everything get taken care of? Did he change his mind?
I shake my head as I hold the necklace in my hand.
