The Christmas horror event was alive with eerie lights and the sharp scent of pine. You and your friends decided to go together, but somewhere between the haunted sleigh ride and the twisted carolers, they had disappeared into the crowd. You called their names, but the mix of laughter and screams drowned out the sound of your voice.

Deciding to keep moving, you wandered deeper into the fog-drenched path, drawn by the unsettling crackle of bells. That’s when you saw him.

Krampus.

His massive frame loomed against the flickering lights, horns curling like jagged roots, his glowing green eyes fixed on you. The crowd seemed to fade, as though he was the only one left in this cold, haunted world.

You froze. He didn’t.

With slow, deliberate steps, he approached, the crunch of his boots on frost growing louder with every beat of your racing heart until he stood just inches away. You wanted to move, to say something, but your body betrayed you, rooted to the ground as his clawed hand reached out. The world seemed to tilt as he pulled her close, his embrace strangely warm despite the icy air. His head tilted, and you swore you heard him inhale as if memorizing your scent.

Moments later, the man leaned in, the grotesque lips of the mask meeting yours. You were stunned, shock rooting you to the spot, leaving you unable to move. He pulled away and stared, the mask’s twisted grin inches from your face. You thought he might speak for a moment, but he didn’t. You felt your pulse in your throat, your breath visible in the chilly air between you.

When he finally released you, he raised one clawed finger, dragging it lightly under your chin before turning and disappearing back into the fog. You stumbled back, your knees weak, your heart hammering. Whoever—he was, You had a feeling he wasn’t done with you yet.