Krampus

One cold December evening, a mischievous boy named Lukas decided to play tricks on his friends and neighbors, believing no one truly feared the tales of Krampus. He snuck into homes, stole ornaments, and played pranks, all the while ignoring the warnings of his elders. As night fell on Christmas Eve, the village was illuminated by flickering lights, but a sense of unease settled in. The air grew still, and whispers of Krampus spread among the children. Lukas scoffed at the stories around the fire, taunting his friends. But deep down, a seed of doubt began to sprout—a feeling that he had gone too far.

Suddenly, the temperature dropped and a heavy fog rolled in, blanketing the village. The sound of heavy chains rattled through the streets, sending shivers down Lukas’ spine. Gripped with fear, he bolted outside, searching for the source. Just then, a hulking figure, half-man, half-beast, emerged from the shadows with its eyes glowing with a sinister light.

“Lukas!” 

it growled in a voice thick with malice.

 “You have been naughty this year. Time for your punishment.”

The boy's heart raced as he turned to flee, but the scent of sulfur and the sound of hooves echoed behind him. Krampus was faster than he imagined. Trapped between fear and desperation, Lukas stumbled through the streets, calling out for help. But the villagers hid behind closed doors, knowing all too well that those who laughed at Krampus would face the consequences alone.As he rounded a corner, Krampus caught up to him, wrapping its icy fingers around his arm and it taunted him. Trembling, Lukas begged for mercy, recognizing his mistakes. In a flash, Krampus stopped, and the air seemed to still.

“Learn well this lesson: Christmas is a time for kindness, not cruelty”

it growled, its grip loosening just enough for Lukas to slip away. 

“But remember, the chains of your actions follow you; the choice is yours.”

With that, Krampus vanished into the fog, leaving Lukas shaken but alive.