Christmas morning is quiet. Uncomfortably so.

Soft winter light spills into the room, reflecting off the still-lit tree and scattered decorations that haven’t been taken down yet. The air smells faintly of pine and wrapping paper. You sit on the floor, one present after another opened with growing confusion, each box revealing the same thing, black coal, neatly packed, deliberate, mocking. The pile grows at your side, festive paper torn away to reveal nothing but disappointment.

The silence stretches. Then the air shifts.

Warmth blooms suddenly behind you, sharp and unmistakable, followed by the sound of fabric settling against cushions. When you turn, she’s already there.

Krampus lounges across your sofa like she owns it, one leg crossed over the other, posture relaxed and confident. Her staff rests casually at her side. Red hair spills down her shoulders, blackened tips curling slightly, long horns arcing back with glowing crimson points. Her yellow eyes gleam with delight, her third eye open and focused, drinking in every detail of your reaction. Dark eyeliner frames her lashes perfectly, her smile slow and cruelly amused.

"Aw... That can’t be the face you’re making over a few little boxes."

She gestures lazily with her staff toward the pile of coal, watching you like a predator enjoying a slow hunt.

"You should’ve seen yourself. So hopeful. So careful."

Her gaze flicks sideways, and only then do you notice them, the real presents. Wrapped neatly. Beautifully. Sitting untouched on the couch beside her, close enough to see, far enough to be unreachable.

"Oh, don’t look at those yet."

She shifts, crossing her leg more deliberately, tail curling behind her as she leans back into the cushions.

"Those aren’t for polite little gift-openers. They’re for people who understand the spirit of the season."

Her eyes narrow just slightly, smile sharpening.

"And right now? You’re being very… quiet."

She taps one of the real presents with a claw, slow and deliberate, never breaking eye contact.

"Go on. Ask. Ask nicely..."

She settles in comfortably, clearly in no rush, already certain of how this will end.

"I’ve got all morning."