Chapter Eight

NOEL

The treehouse was nothing short of breathtaking—a masterpiece of magic and carpentry, standing proud among the towering trees in the heart of the forest. Snow fell gently from the sky, swirling like soft whispers of winter's promise. Each flake caught the light of the enchanted lanterns that hung from the branches, casting an ethereal glow over the entire clearing. It was as if the air itself shimmered with anticipation, humming with the magic we had woven into every inch of the structure.

I stepped back, gazing at what we had created. This treehouse wasn't just a trap—it was a vision of Christmas itself. Garlands of frosted pinecones and sparkling holly with bright red berries hung from the edges of the roof, each one glittering as if kissed by starlight. Icicles dangled from the eaves, glowing softly, like frozen shards of pure light. The wood itself was enchanted, shimmering with a soft gold hue that seemed to pulse with life. Tiny bells hung from the rafters, their faint jingling echoing like a distant memory of sleigh rides and laughter.

It rivaled anything at the North Pole in its splendor. It had to—this treehouse was meant to lure Azrael, the Dark King, into thinking it held the very heart of Christmas magic. Which it would…because Rue would be there waiting inside.

Even the fairies had come to play their part, flitting through the air like tiny, glowing fireflies. They darted around the treehouse, their wings shimmering with a light dusting of frost, adding to the illusion that this place was a beacon of powerful magic. It was alive with enchantment, and anyone who saw it could not help but believe it held something truly special.

Beside me, Rue stood quietly, her eyes scanning the treehouse with a mix of awe and determination. She looked like a true bride of winter magic—her gown a deep, shimmering blue that trailed behind her like a cascade of ice, woven with silver threads that caught the light and sparkled with every movement. A mantle of pure white fur was draped over her shoulders, and snowflakes clung to her hair, which was braided with silver ribbons, making her look like she belonged to the very snow itself. Her cheeks were rosy, and her crimson lips matched the color of holly berries.

She was stunning, ethereal, and yet, underneath that quiet beauty, there was a strength that took my breath away. She wasn't running anymore—she was standing her ground, ready to face whatever came next.

"Noel," she whispered, her voice soft but filled with emotion, "it's perfect."

I swallowed, my throat tight, unable to take my eyes off her. "Not as perfect as you."

Her lips curved into a small smile, but I could see the sadness behind her eyes. This was our plan, our only chance, but we both knew how much was at stake. The weight of it all hung heavy in the air between us.

She reached out and took my hand, her fingers cold but steady. "We're really doing this," she said, her voice trembling slightly.

I nodded, squeezing her hand. "We don't have a choice. This is the only way to stop him."

Rue looked up at the treehouse, her eyes filled with resolve. "He'll believe it. Azrael will think this is the key to everything."

"He's arrogant," I said, my voice low. "He thinks he can control everything—take whatever he wants."

"But he can't," Rue replied, her voice stronger now. "Not this time."

She released my hand and turned toward the edge of the clearing where Dasher stood waiting. The reindeer would be a crucial part of this plan—delivering the bait that would lure the Dark King to us. Rue had crafted the message herself, a scroll addressed directly to Azrael. The note promised that his Christmas bride would be waiting for him in this magical treehouse, prepared as a gift for their impending wedding. Rue had included an enchanted golden key with the scroll, one that only Azrael himself would be able to use to unlock the door.

It was the perfect trap.

Rue handed Dasher the scroll with the key inside, and he clutched it carefully between his teeth before soaring into the night, his antlers gleaming like beacons in the sky. I could feel the tension building in the air—the sense that something big was about to happen, something that would change everything.

As Rue stood beside me, her breath misting in the cold air, I felt a pang of guilt. She didn't deserve this. She didn't deserve to be a pawn in Azrael's twisted game of power. And yet, here we were, preparing to fight for her freedom—for the magic of Christmas itself.

"You look beautiful," I said softly, my voice catching in my throat.

She turned to me, her eyes shimmering with emotion. "Thank you, Noel. For everything."

Before I could respond, a noise overhead caught my attention. Cupid swooped down, landing lightly in the snow beside us, his antlers sparkling under the glow of the enchanted lanterns.

"Cupid!" Rue and I cried together.

"Where have you been? We've been worried about you, you stubborn thing!" Rue said, running to plant a kiss on the mischievous creature's nose.

"I've brought help," he replied, offering us a small smile.

I frowned, but before I could ask what he meant, I heard footsteps crunching through the snow. My heart leaped into my throat, and I turned to see figures emerging from the trees.

Santa and Mrs. Claus.

They stepped into the clearing, their familiar red-and-white coats stark against the pale backdrop of the snow-covered forest. Santa's face was solemn, his eyes heavy with regret, but there was a softness in his expression when he looked at Rue. Mrs. Claus's face was filled with quiet warmth, her eyes misty with unshed tears.

Rue froze beside me, her hand tightening around mine. I could feel the tension in her body—the mixture of guilt, relief, and fear that came with seeing her parents again.

"Father?" Rue whispered, her voice barely audible.

Kris Kringle stepped forward, his arms opening wide. "My dear Rue," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "I'm so sorry."

Before she could respond, he pulled her into a tight embrace, holding her close against his wide chest. Mrs. Claus joined them, wrapping her arms around both of them, her tears falling silently as she kissed Rue's hair.

"I'm so sorry," Santa repeated, his voice cracking. "I should never have made that deal."

Rue buried her face in his coat, her voice trembling. "It's okay, Father," she whispered. "We're going to fix this…Together."

Santa pulled back slightly, his hand cupping her cheek. "I never wanted this for you," he said quietly. "I never wanted to put you in danger."

"I know," Rue said, her voice soft but steady. "You were trying to protect the elves."

Santa nodded, his eyes filled with sorrow. "But I should have found another way."

Mrs. Claus smiled through her tears, her hand resting gently on Rue's arm. "We're so proud of you," she said softly. "So very proud."

Rue smiled, though her eyes were wet with emotion. "Thank you."

Santa turned to me then, his gaze filled with gratitude. "You saved her," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "You protected my daughter."

I shifted uncomfortably under the weight of his gaze. "She saved herself," I muttered, glancing at Rue.

But he wasn't finished. He stepped forward and pulled me into a firm embrace, his arms strong and warm. "Thank you," he whispered, his voice cracking. "For everything."

I nodded, unable to find the words to respond. As Santa Claus stepped back, his wife approached, her eyes filled with warmth as she smiled at me.

"You've done more than protect her," Mrs. Claus said softly. "You've given her something even more precious."

My heart tightened at her words, and I glanced at Rue. She was watching me with an expression that made my chest ache—a mixture of gratitude, love, and something deeper.

Before I could say anything more, Dasher reappeared, skidding to a halt in the snow. "He's coming," he said, his voice filled with urgency. "Azrael's on his way."

The peaceful moment shattered at once, replaced by the tension of what was to come. Santa's face hardened as he turned toward the trees. "This is it," he said quietly. "We need to be ready."

I turned to Rue, my heart racing. "Are you ready?"

She nodded. Her eyes filled with determination and she gave me one last look—a mixture of fear and love—before she turned and made her way up the steps to the treehouse. Her gown trailed behind her like the tail of a comet, shimmering in the moonlight. She disappeared inside, and my chest tightened with resolve.

I had to protect her. No matter what.

The sound of hooves and heavy footsteps grew louder, signaling Azrael's arrival. The Dark King emerged from the shadows of the forest, his black cloak swirling around him like a storm cloud. His coal black eyes gleamed with malice, and a cruel smile twisted his lips as he strode into the clearing. His henchmen followed, their eyes cold and expressionless, marching in perfect synchronization.

Azrael's gaze swept over the scene, and his sneer deepened when he saw Santa standing at the edge of the clearing. "Saint Nicholas," said the Dark King, his voice dripping with mockery. "I see you've come to witness the end of your reign."

Santa's face was grim, his jaw tight as he stepped forward. "You'll never take my daughter," he said, his voice firm but weary. "Not as long as I live."

Azrael let out a low, twisted laugh. "Oh, but I will. And once I have her, Christmas will be nothing but a distant memory. I'll replace it with a holiday dedicated to me—The Black Night. A time of sacrifices and fear, where the world will bow to me and my Dark Queen."

He strode toward the treehouse, his eyes gleaming with greed. "And now," he said, pulling the golden key from his cloak, "I'll claim my bride."

I tensed, watching from the shadows as he approached the door. The key glittered in his hand as he slid it into the lock and turned it with a soft click. The door swung open, and Azrael stepped inside.

I followed stealthily, silently, my heart pounding in my chest.

Inside the treehouse, the air was thick with magic. The garlands of ice and holly glimmered in the dim light, and the decorations twinkled as though they held their own secret enchantment. Rue stood in the center of the room, her gown glowing softly in the pale light. She looked calm, poised, but I could see the tension in her shoulders—the fear she was holding back.

Azrael strode toward her, his expression one of triumph. "My bride," he purred, his voice low and dangerous. "You've done well to prepare this for me."

Rue didn't move, her eyes locked on him. "Is this what you wanted, Azrael? To take the power of Christmas?"

Azrael smiled, a cruel, twisted smile. "Christmas is a lie—a fantasy for children. But you, my dear, are the key to something much greater."

Just as he reached out to touch her, I moved. In one swift motion, I grabbed him by the shoulder and yanked him back.

Azrael stumbled, his expression twisting into fury as he whirled to face me. "You," he spat, his eyes flashing with anger. "The Orc."

I didn't give him time to react. I swung my fist, catching him square in the jaw. Azrael staggered back, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth.

"You're not taking her," I growled, my voice low and dangerous. "Not today. Not ever."

Azrael snarled, his voice filled with venom. "You can't stop me."

But before he could make another move, I grabbed the enchanted ropes we had hidden beneath the garlands and looped them around his wrists. He struggled, but I pulled the ropes tight, forcing him into the chair we had prepared.

"What is this?" Azrael hissed, his voice rising in panic as the ropes glowed with a golden light, binding him to the rungs.

"You're not as powerful as you think," I said coldly, stepping back as the magic of the treehouse began to pulse around us.

Rue moved to the door, her face calm but resolute, and then I joined her on the threshold. Together we stepped outside, and I pulled the door shut behind us. Rue held the golden key in her hand. Inserting it into the keyhole, with a soft click she locked the door, sealing Azrael inside. Outside we could hear his screams of rage.

The moment the door locked, the magic of the treehouse surged. The walls shimmered, turning transparent like glass, and the garlands glowed brighter, pulsing with power. The entire structure began to rotate, spinning faster and faster, and then it began to dissolve into snow in a blizzard of magic.

At the same time, I watched, amazed, as the Dark King's henchmen began to melt like snowmen, their bodies becoming smaller and smaller, disappearing into the earth.

Azrael's voice rose in desperation as the treehouse continued to crumble around him. But it was too late. The magic had taken hold.

With one final flash of light, the treehouse was gone.

Azrael and his minions were no more.

Outside, the clearing was still. Snow fell softly, the wind having calmed, and for the first time in what felt like forever, there was peace.

Prancer approached, his eyes wide with wonder. "It's over," he whispered, his voice filled with awe. "The elves...they're free. And Christmas is saved."

Santa let out a deep breath, a wide smile spreading across his face. "We did it," he said, his voice filled with relief.

But there was still work to be done. Christmas was coming, and the world was waiting.

Santa turned to Rue, his expression soft but serious. "Will you lead the sleigh tonight?"

Rue's eyes filled with tears. "Of course," she said softly. "I wouldn't want to be anywhere else, Father. There is much joy to spread this year."

Santa smiled, his eyes filled with pride. "Indeed, it is a miracle. Thank you, my dear."

He turned to the reindeer, who were gathered nearby, their antlers gleaming in the moonlight. "We have gifts to deliver soon, friends," he said with a grin.

With a flick of his hand, Santa summoned the sleigh, which appeared in a burst of magic. Mrs. Claus gave Rue and me one last look, her eyes twinkling with warmth.

"We'll see you soon," she said, her voice soft. "Take your time."

With that, Santa and Mrs. Claus climbed into the sleigh, and with a snap of the reins, the reindeer took off into the sky.

Rue turned to me, her soft brown eyes shimmering with emotion. We were alone now, the snow falling gently around us, the world quiet and still.

"I love you," I whispered, my voice thick with emotion. "I've loved you since the moment I found you in the snow."

Tears filled Rue's eyes, and she smiled. "I love you too, Noel," she whispered, her voice trembling. "More than anything."

I kissed her then, pulling her close, and in that moment, the world around us faded away. It was just the two of us, wrapped in the warmth of each other's love, as the snow fell gently from the sky.

As Santa and Mrs. Claus disappeared into the night, leaving only the soft jingle of sleigh bells and the distant shimmer of magic in the air, Rue and I stood there, alone in the stillness. The snowflakes glowed faintly under a full moon and star-filled night, and the world lay silent in its beauty. Everything had changed. The weight of what we had just accomplished pressed down on me, but there was a new warmth blossoming in my chest, a sense of something much deeper, much more profound.

I turned to Rue, and for a moment, we simply looked at each other. Her eyes were soft, glistening with unshed tears and emotion, and her lips parted as if she wanted to say something—but words felt unnecessary now. There was a different kind of language between us, one that didn't require explanation.

The snow continued to swirl lazily between us, dancing in the air and catching the flickering light from the magical lanterns. I didn't feel the cold, however, all I could feel was her…Her presence, her beauty, her strength, and the overwhelming desire that had been building inside me for days.

I stepped forward, taking her hand in mine. Her skin was cold from the night air, but her touch sent a wave of heat through me. I wanted to feel her warmth, her skin, and share this moment in a way that transcended everything else.

"Come with me," I whispered, my voice rough with the intensity of what I felt. Without waiting for her reply, I gently swept her into my arms. She gasped softly, but there was a smile on her lips as she curled against me, her body fitting perfectly against mine.

The walk back to the cabin felt like a dream. The snow crunched beneath my boots, the firelight from inside casting a soft glow across the path. Rue rested her head against my chest, and I could feel her heartbeat, steady and strong. The world outside could have disappeared for all I cared. Right now, it was just the two of us, and the promise of what was to come.

When we reached the cottage, I pushed the door open with my foot, the warmth from the hearth immediately embracing us as I stepped inside. The fire crackled in the stone fireplace, casting flickers of golden light across the room. Shadows danced on the wooden walls, and the scent of pine and burning wood filled the air.

I set Rue down gently on the sheepskin rug in front of the hearth, my hands lingering on her waist as I looked down at her. Her eyes were wide, filled with the same need I felt coursing through me. I leaned down, brushing a soft kiss against her forehead, then her cheek, and finally, her lips. The kiss started tender, soft, but soon, the fire inside me took over, and I deepened it, pouring every ounce of emotion I had into that moment.

Rue responded immediately, her hands threading through my hair as she pulled me closer. Her lips were soft and warm, and the taste of her—sweet and pure—made me ache with need. I wanted her more than I had ever wanted anything. I needed her.

I slowly lowered her down onto the soft fur rug, the crackling fire casting a warm glow over her gorgeous face as I did so. Her winter gown shimmered in the light, and with fumbling hands, I began to undo the delicate pearl buttons, one by one. Each movement felt reverent, like I was unwrapping something precious, something sacred. Rue's breathing hitched as my fingers grazed her creamy skin, and I felt her shiver beneath my touch—not from the cold, but from the anticipation that had been building between us for days.

Her gown slipped from her shoulders, revealing the soft, pale skin underneath, kissed by the golden light of the fire. I traced my fingers over the curve of her collarbone, her breath catching as I leaned down to press a kiss against the hollow of her throat. She arched beneath me, her body responding to every touch, every kiss, and it drove me wild with desire.

"Noel," she whispered, her voice a plea that sent a shiver down my spine. "I need you."

I growled low in my throat, the sound rumbling through me as I leaned down to capture her lips again with mine. This time, there was no restraint. My hands moved over her body, exploring the softness of her skin, the curve of her hips, the delicate lines of her thighs. She was everything I had ever wanted, everything I had ever needed, and in this moment, nothing else existed but her.

I pulled away for a moment, my breath ragged as I looked down at her. Her cheeks were flushed, her lips swollen from our kisses, and her eyes—glistening with need and love—were fixed on mine.

"I love you," I whispered, the words escaping before I could stop them.

A tear slipped down Rue's cheek, but she smiled, her hand reaching up to cup my face. "I love you, too," she whispered back. "More than anything."

Hearing those words broke something inside me. It wasn't just desire anymore—it was love, raw and real, and it consumed me. I leaned down, kissing her again, harder this time, my hands moving over her body as I pulled her closer, needing to feel every inch of her against me.

I stood, and slowly, with careful movements, I rid myself of my clothes before her, the cool air briefly touching my skin before the heat from the fire enveloped me again. I settled beside her again on the rug, our bodies pressing together, the warmth between us driving away all remaining cold. The firelight flickered across her skin, casting shadows that made her look even more like the winter goddess she was.

I kissed her deeply, losing myself in her taste, in the softness of her lips, in the way her body fit perfectly against mine. She moaned softly, the sound like music to my ears, and I let my hands and eyes roam freely over her supple breasts and full hips, memorizing every inch of her.

When I finally entered her, it was slow, gentle, as if the world had come to a standstill. Rue gasped, her eyes fluttering closed, and I held her close, letting her adjust to the feel of me. For a moment, we just stayed like that—connected, our hearts beating in unison, our breaths mingling in the warm air.

Then, slowly, we began to move together, our bodies finding a rhythm that was as old as time itself. Each movement sent waves of pleasure crashing through me, and I could feel Rue trembling beneath me, her soft cries of pleasure filling the room. The fire crackled beside us, the only witness to the love we were making, to the way our bodies fit together so perfectly.

I buried my face in her neck, breathing in the scent of her, the warmth of her skin against mine driving me mad with love. I whispered her name, over and over, each time feeling like a prayer, like something sacred. And when she finally cried out, her body tightening around me, I let myself go, the world disappearing as we reached the peak of our pleasure together.

When it was over, we lay there in front of the fire, our bodies tangled together, our breaths still heavy from the intensity of what we had just shared. Rue rested her head on my chest, her fingers tracing lazy patterns across my skin as I held her close, my heart still pounding in my chest.

"I don't want this to end," she whispered, her voice soft and filled with emotion.

I kissed the top of her head, my hand running through her silky chestnut hair as I held her tighter. "It won't," I promised, my voice rough. "We have tomorrow. We have Christmas. And we have each other. Forever."

Rue smiled, her eyes closing as she snuggled closer to me, her body warm and soft in my arms. "I can't wait," she whispered, her voice filled with love.

And in that moment, as the fire crackled softly beside us and the snow fell gently outside the cabin, I knew one thing for certain.

I had found my home. And it was with her.