Santa Daddy, I’m Not the One

10

LANDON

T he sun streamed through the bay window, casting a warm, golden glow over the room. As I stared at the snow and ice, the vastness of it all made me feel even more isolated. It had been three days since the incident with the Eternal Tree, and the tension was palpable.

Given they confined me to Nils’s bedroom, I shouldn’t be aware of most things, but this morning, I’d overheard Nils speaking in hushed tones to one of the elves. The tree had dimmed even further. Despite his efforts to keep a brave face for my sake, I could tell it was wearing on him.

When he was with me, he always acted like everything was fine, but last night, something urgent had pulled him away. Someone had come to our room, whispering hurriedly about needing to go into town. I hadn’t been able to fall back asleep after that, the worry gnawing at me. I’d waited for his return, and when he did, the look on his face had said it all—things were getting worse.

If only I could step outside, feel the sun on my face, the snow under my feet. But I was hesitant, afraid of the reaction of even the elves at the workshop and what might happen if I encountered them. I turned away from the window and sat on the bed. The room was cozy and warm, filled with trinkets and treasures that spoke of a long and interesting life.

I wandered around, picking up a snow globe, brushing my fingers over a glass icicle, and stopped in front of Nils’s closet. The door was slightly ajar. A mischievous thought crossed my mind, and I pushed the door open, peering inside.

The closet was neatly organized, with rows of colorful suits and casual clothes hanging side by side. Tucked away in the back lay a bag that seemed out of place. It was a simple, unassuming bag, but something about it piqued my interest. I pulled it toward me and opened it.

Oh my. Inside was a collection of adult toys—handcuffs, vibrators, and dildos ranging from small to massive. My cheeks heated, a mixture of embarrassment and curiosity piqued inside of me. I quickly shoved the bag back into its place and stepped back as if the closet had suddenly caught fire.

I hurried over to the window, trying to shake off the surprise and the flood of questions. The world outside looked the same, serene and untouched, but my mind was racing. What did this mean? Was my Santa Daddy kinky?

Although I’d been here a few days already, I knew little about him. He’d been kind to me, protective even, but there were clearly depths to him I hadn’t begun to understand. I leaned my forehead against the cool glass, my breath fogging the surface.

A gentle kiss at the back of my neck pulled me from my slumber. A small smile curled my lips before I opened my eyes. I turned slightly. Nils was looking at me, his expression a mix of concern and affection.

“Why are you sleeping here at the window?” he asked, his voice low and soothing.

I stretched a little, my limbs stiff from staying in one position too long. “I’m bored. There’s only so much staring out the window one can do.”

Nils’s face softened, his gaze holding a hint of pity that didn’t sit well with me. “How about we go out? A change of scenery might do you some good.”

“Really?” A jolt of happiness shot through me, followed by an unexpected, sharp pain in my heart. It was intense and physical, a cruel reminder of everything that had happened. I winced, clutching at my chest, and the pain ebbed away as quickly as it had come.

But Nils had noticed and stuck out his hand to steady me. “Are you okay?”

I nodded, pushing down the lingering ache. “Yes, it’s nothing.”

He studied me for a moment longer, then helped me to stand. “If you’re sure. Come on.”

Curiosity piqued, I followed him out of the room, down the corridors of the workshop, and out into the crisp air. We walked in the opposite direction of the forest, the scene of so many recent troubles. I was grateful for that; the forest had become a symbol of all my fears and uncertainties.

After a short walk, we arrived at a field where several reindeer grazed. They lifted their heads, their eyes gentle and curious. A sound of delight escaped me, unbidden. They were beautiful, their fur thick and their antlers magnificent.

Nils smiled at my reaction, a genuine, warm smile that reached his eyes. “Go on.” He gave me a little nudge. “They’re friendly.”

I stepped forward, my hand outstretched. The nearest reindeer nuzzled my palm, its breath warm against my skin. I laughed, the sound light and free, and came closer, following Nils’s instructions for feeding and hugging them. They accepted my touch with a calmness that eased the remaining tension in my body.

“This is amazing,” I said. “I love them so much.”

“I can tell. Do you want one of your own?”

“I can have a reindeer?”

“Naturally.”

“That’s so cool, but I don’t think so. They look like they should be wild and free. Look how graceful they are.”

As I stood among the reindeer, their gentle presence enveloping me, I glanced back at Nils. He was watching me, a tender look in his eyes that made something within me flutter. Was I falling for him?

The idea brought excitement and fear, an emotional cocktail I wasn’t prepared for.

But as quickly as the flutter had come, it was crushed under an intense wave of pain that seized my chest. The world tilted dangerously. My knees buckled, and I fell to the ground, clutching at my shirt as if I could somehow tear away the pain buried deep within me.

It was as if my heart was trying to break free, each beat a hammer strike against my ribs. I gasped, my breaths coming in short, ragged pulls. The pain was excruciating, blinding, unlike anything I’d ever felt. It consumed every thought, every bit of my consciousness until there was nothing left but the overwhelming agony and Nils calling my name.

“Landon! Landon, what’s wrong?” His voice seemed to come from far away, muffled and distorted. His hands touched me, trying to ease me down. I wanted to tell him I was okay, to banish the worry that laced every syllable he uttered, but I couldn’t form the words. All I could do was clutch my chest and ride out the storm.

The pain spiked again, a cruel crescendo that tipped me into darkness. The last thing I saw was Nils’s face, etched with fear and concern, hovering over me as I slipped away into unconsciousness.