A single polished plate rested on the table, presenting a pile of steaming cookies in its center. Krampus sparingly drizzled chocolate syrup over them just like the restless cook had ordered. After the last drop splashed onto the plate, he took a handful of the hazardous nectar and sprinkled it over the tempting treats for good measure.

He then took a spoonful of sugar and shook it over the plate before rinsing his hands off in the sterling sink to wash away his sins. "That should do it," he muttered while admiring his job well done. A moan from behind broke him from his trance, his eyes turning just in time to catch the slender cook rubbing her bandaged face.

"Evening," was the first word that left her thin, chapped lips when she scowled. "Good thing I still have a nose to smell the bullshit you're dragging me into."

The goat demon chuckled at her play of words. "How amusing. Tell me, do you regret it?"

Lilith allowed her head to fall down, the stray locks of her black braids scratching against her back. Normally, she'd be staring at the hands rested in her lap. However, without eyes she could only see darkness.

Her hands traced the surface of her hollow eye sockets, stopping when they reached her eyelids. "...Vanilla's a kind girl. She dared to put her foot down for the ancient treaty that binded us to the king. So when I heard that she started a revolt, I was filled with joy. She always laughed, even when the snowmen arrested her."

The cook smiled bitterly. "During her trial, Vanilla stood tall and proud as His Majesty executed her comrades. I think it was because she knew that no matter how many people he killed, someone would defeat him."

She felt for her severed body parts and scooped into her hand before holding them out. "Take this 'sacrifice' as my faith in you. Even without eyes I can see that you may have a chance. If not now, then soon. So no, I don't. Also, I can't hear you. I just have a good sense of intuition."

Krampus stared at her in shock. He'd never expected to hear such a reply. Although her voice was steady, there were moments where it would crack, making some of the words low or butchered. It was like a baby struggling to adjust to its new predicament.

Instead of commenting to deaf ears, he remained silent and looked to the deadly treats. "Hm, well this is a problem. I guess someone will guide her to him later. For now..." he mumbled, reaching towards the plate, "I'll let her smell them."

After placing the dish in front of her, he dropped the crushed petals in the milk, letting it soak in its poison. With this, Santa will be no more. As he thought that, a chuckle slipped past his curved lips. How fun. Once the milk sat long enough, he took the petals out with a spoon.

"A-Are these the... cookies?" Lilith whispered from behind.

There was no need for him to answer. She wouldn't see him nod nor hear his words anytime soon, so he ignored her and instead slid the plate and glass onto a nearby sterling tray. Perfect.

Krampus headed to Lilith's side and opened her palm. He took his index finger and spelled out his instructions with his long, black nail. 'Let a servant guide you to the king when it is time. Say that you were clumsy handling the food and burnt your eyes or something. Just make sure that I am not mentioned.'

"Y-Yes, Krampus." Her mouth was agape as she took her time to register his orders. "I will do my best."

Hearing this, he stood before patting her head. "Good. I shall leave you with that in mind."

She nodded, feeling his tail brush against her knees when he turned towards the window. "Farewell."

Satisfied with the outcome of his visit, Krampus fled. He slid from tower to tower, occasionally slipping along the way until he reached the back of the ice castle. "Made it," he muttered when snow surrounded his hooves, "and no one noticed."

Either that or he was being toyed with.

His tail began to sway in frustration. This needed to end soon. He hoped she'd be of good use to me. Good thing I memorized her scent. He looked to the kitchen's opening and sighed. I should get some rest. I'll know the results tomorrow.

Indeed, the demon had already been awake for two nights straight without a blink of sleep. Given the fact that he'd been bombarded with countless information ever since he'd arrived, not even he could resist fatigue.

With a snap of his fingers, a black ring of fire appeared in front of him. He dove into the darkness, drifting towards the hole opening at the front of the jail. It was a painless trip; a mere tickle to his skin as his body traversed through the astral plane and back into reality. His hooves touching cold snow made shivers go up his spine. As his fingers wrapped around the golden doorknob, he sneezed. Great.

He could never figure out why the king felt the need to make the jail look so pompous, yet was also impressed by its gaudy elegance. The goat demon walked inside and for the first time, was glad to be greeted by warmth. He'd been out all day. Swimming in ocean water, dashing through the snow and now reeking with the scents of sugar, blood and salt was enough to annoy him in this frozen hell hole. It was refreshing to feel heat.

He looked up and found himself smiling at the architectural masterpiece. Tucked away in the corner of his mind was the memory of what he'd done moments ago as he became enchanted by the syrup-coated chandeliers that hung above him. At least he has taste, was what he thought before heading to the checkered elevator. Once he stepped in, a grimace tugged on his lips. He was getting tired of seeing the same miserable people every day, but decided that it would be better than sleeping outside with one eye open.

When he reached the basement, his eyes wandered to the end of the hall where a wrought iron bench came into view. Its labyrinth-like loops and swirls tempted Krampus to trace every opening just as he'd done as a kid. Sudden nostalgia overwhelmed him when he got closer. It was as if the warmth of his mother's fur was waiting to embrace him the moment he laid down.

Sometimes he wondered what it would be like if they were alive. Given, goats didn't have a long lifespan to begin with, but he would've loved to see her to her last breath. Unfortunately, both of their lives had been cut short the Christmas Eve he was taken to the North Pole.

With the bittersweet memories of his parents in mind, he drifted to sleep while laying across the cool bench. He slept for many hours in the darkness of the basement, regaining the strength and energy lost from his dark adventures.

That is, until a sudden coldness encased his body. It was a familiar sensation that forced him awake. The freezing wind crawling up his skin caused his body to shiver from head to toe. There's not supposed to be a breeze down here. Why the hell is it so cold? Krampus groaned in frustration, turning on his side to nestle further into the bench.

A laugh arose from behind him, echoing across the old walls with amusement. It was then he realized exactly who the culprit was. "Ugh, Jack. Why're you here?"

The wind chuckled once more and brushed snowflakes against the demon's bare skin. "Having a tough time, are we? Maybe if I'm lucky you'll die from a fever."

Krampus turned towards the source to spot Jack standing feets away from him under a dim lamp, wearing a blue peacoat and scarf. The light reflecting off his icy skin reminded him of the ocean. An image of waves glistening under the moonlight formed in his mind for a few moments as he gazed at the blue man.

The goat demon shook his head to rid himself of such sentimental thoughts before glaring at him. "Come to bother me, Jackass? Maybe I should've let that wretched mermaid drown me so I wouldn't have to hear your mouth."

"Now, now, Krampus. You know how Santa gets when he sees his two 'sons' fighting."

He clicked his tongue in irritation. "I'm no son of his. He just picked me up off the streets. You were made by him, not me. Anyways, what do you want?"

"Hm, I guess you're right. The king told everyone, including you, to head to the plaza. He has an announcement to make."

"The plaza? I don't even know where that is!" He crossed his arms and glared at the blue creature. "Besides, why would I go? As far as I'm concerned, nothing he says is worth my time."

"Because if you don't, he said that he would execute Vanilla. And neither of us want that now do we?" he chided with a smile, "So do me a favor and hurry the hell up. It's in the middle of town; You'll find it eventually."