Blood trickled down her fingertips.   

Her amber eyes followed the trail of crimson liquid until it finally met its inevitable fate on the white marble floor.

Red Ridinghood's gaze lingered on the stain for longer than necessary. Para bang tuluyan na siyang nahalina sa kulay nitong kasing-pula ng telang nakataklob sa kanyang mukha.

Ni hindi na nito ininda ang sakit sa natamo niyang sugat.

'Pain is nothing new.'

Huminga nang malalim ang dalaga at pinakinggan ang katahimikang bumabalot sa kanya. She raised her other hand to make sure her hearing aids were still intact. Nang masigurado niyang suot pa rin niya ang mga ito, sunod namang dumako ang mga mata ni Red sa pulang rosas na sumugat sa kanya.

Its sharp thorns stared back at her, threatening to prick her skin again.

"Bakit nga ba ako nandito?"

It was general question she kept asking herself ever since the Big Bad Werewolves kidnapped her on the night of her Princess Enlightenment Ceremony---ang seremonyang magtatakda sana kung karapat-dapat ba siyang mamuno sa kanilang kaharian o hindi.

At kahit pa itinuturing siyang isang "guest" sa kastilyong ito, hindi mapagkakailang nakakaramdam pa rin ng kaba ang prinsesa.

Who wouldn't when you're inside a gothic castle with seven werewolves?

"Bakit nga ba ako nandito?"

But this time, the question was more specific. Dahil sa ngayon, gusto munang malaman ni Red kung bakit siya nagising sa halimuyak ng isang pulang rosas.

At kung bakit siya dinala rito ng bulaklak...

Maingat niyang binasa ulit ang maliit na "tag" sa tangkay:

Left hallway, white door.

So, being the curious soul she is, Princess Rieka "Red" Ridinghood followed it.

Ngayon, nakatayo na siya sa tapat ng isang puting pinto sa pinakadulo ng pasilyo. Masyadong tahimik. Masyadong mapayapa. To say that she was confused was probably an understatement. Hanggang ngayon ay hindi niya pa rin napapansin ang sinuman sa magkakapatid.

'I knew this was a bad idea... Besides, how can I open a door that has no doorknob?'

The princess sighed and averted her eyes to the white door---well, not entirely white.

Dahil sa hindi malamang dahilan, may nakapintang pulang Christmas tree sa pintong ito.

But there's just one small problem...

"It lacks the star."

Suddenly, memories of her not-so-happy childhood inside their palace flashed before her eyes. Ayon sa mga naririnig niyang kwento mula kay General Simon, ang lider ng kanilang hukbong-sandatahan, magmula nang mamatay ang reyna, wala nang nag-abala pang mag-decorate ng kanilang palasyo tuwing Pasko.

"Your mother used to put up a large Christmas tree at the center of the living room. Siya pa mismo ang gumagawa ng dekorasyon nito," the dark-skinned general told her when she was a kid.

Magmula noon, sa mga kwento at lumang mga larawan na lang nai-imagine ni Red ang selebrasyon ng Pasko sa kanilang palasyo. Her mother died giving birth to her. As depressing as it sounds, it seems like she took the spirit of Christmas to her grave, too. Nang mawala ang "ilaw ng tahanan" sa kanilang pamilya, para bang nawala na rin ang liwanag sa mga mata ng hari at sa puso ng mga ninirahan sa kaharian ng Eastwood.

So, Red grew up knowing that everyone expected her to bring back that light.

To lit the candle that had died long ago.

'It's really a miracle I haven't been poisoned by those expectations, yet.'

Napabuntong-hininga na lang ang prinsesa at wala sa sariling iginuhit ang nawawalang bituin gamit ang kanyang sariling dugo.

She watched as her finger grazed over the white surface.

Like a paintbrush stained in sin.

Nang matapos na niyang iguhit ang bituin, isang tipid na ngiti ang sumilay sa kanyang mga labi.

'Bisperas ng Pasko na pala mamaya.'

She was about to head back to her bedroom and forget this ever happened when she heard the door creak open.

Natuod sa kanyang kinatatayuan ang prinsesa, tuluyan nang hindi makakilos dala ng kaba. Her amber eyes widened in fear when someone stepped out of it, offering his hand to her.

"W-What the hell is going on here?!"

Pero agad rin siyang nakahinga nang maluwag nang makilala ang binatang sumalubong sa kanya.

Forest green eyes, blonde hair, and a lopsided grin.

"Lycros?"

Lumawak ang ngiti ng binata nang banggitin ang kanyang pangalan.

"Why, hello there, kitten! Missed me?"

She glared at him. "Ano bang ginagawa mo dito? At saka... Ano 'yang suot mo?"

Mahinang natawa ang werewolf at kumindat sa kanya, "This? This is my Santa outfit, kitten! Do you like it? Ang sabi ni Acontes mas nagiging sexually attractive ang isang tao kapag nagsusuot ng red!"

"Pero hindi ka naman tao, 'di ba?" She pointed out. But she has to admit, he does look charming in that Santa outfit.

He blinked.

"Oh. Well, I guess you're right.. "

Upon realizing this, tinanggal ni Lycros ang Santa hat niya at napakamot sa kanyang ulo. Pero nang inakala ni Red na titigil na ito sa kanyang gimik, bigla na lang siya nitong nilapitan.

Lycros held her eyes.

"Lycros, ano na naman bang---!"

A mischievous smirk on his lips as he leaned closer to her. She froze on the spot when his lips grazed her right ear.

In a husky voice, he whispered against her hearing aid. Sending a shiver down her spine.

"...but you are."

Just like that, he gently pushed aside the hood of her red cloak and placed the Santa hat on top of her head. Hinawi pa nito ang kanyang buhok bago masuyong hinawakan ang kanyang kamay. Hindi pa rin nawawala ang nakakaloko nitong ngiti.

She has a bad feeling about this.

"Are you ready to be Santa Claus' substitute, my kitten?"

Napanganga siya sa sinabi nito.

"S-Substitute? What the hell are you talking about?!"

Humigpit ang hawak nito sa kanyang kamay, tila ayaw na siyang pakawalan. Namalayan na lang ni Red an unti-unti na siyang tinatangay ni Lycros papasok sa silid na pinaggalingan niya kanina. Before she could even protest, it was already too late.

His response hung in the air.

"You'll see, kitten... Trust me, it'll be fun!"

*

Trust is something you can't just give to anyone asking for it.

Iyon ang leksyong natutunan ni Red Ridinghood habang lumalaki sa kanilang kaharian. As the sole heir to the throne, she barely had the opportunity to interact with anyone apart from their servants. Hindi rin nakatulong ang palagiang pangmamata sa kanya ng royal adviser ng kanyang ama.

Most of the time, the princess watched the outside world from her room's window.

Her years of observation only made her conclude that the root of all pain comes from trust.

Trust too much and you'll end up having nothing left of yourself.

Trust too little and people will label you as a selfish asshole.

Trusting the right person feels like giving someone a knife to stab you with.

Trusting the wrong person feels like signaling him to stab you with that knife on the spot.

"Lycros!"

Red's voice echoed in the darkness. Nararamdaman pa rin niya ang hawak nito sa kanyang kamay. Maya-maya pa, unti-unti nang nagkaroon ng anyo ang paligid.

From the darkness, shadows morphed into gingerbread houses. The silence fell as snowflakes on her raven hair. Her red cloak became a gorgeous contrast against the pale white landscape.

Agad nakaramdam ng lamig ang dalaga.

"N-Nasaan tayo?"

Lycros took off his red Santa jacket and placed it on her shoulder, leaving him in his white fitted shirt. Hindi pa rin nawawala ang ngisi sa kanyang mga labi.

"Nandito tayo sa North Pole, kitten!"

Her amber eyes widened in disbelief. Hindi naman siguro nasira ang hearing aids niya, hindi ba?

"W-Wait... Is this a joke?"

"Huh?"

"I thought you just said we're in the North Pole," marahan niyang pag-uulit. Gusto niyang matawa.

Kailan pa naging April Fools ang Pasko?

Pero mukhang hindi nakikipagbiruan ang werewolf.

"I just did."

Natigilan ang dalaga.

Natagalan pang iproseso ng kanyang isip ang katotohahang ito. Pero nang inilibot niya ang kanyang paningin, noon lang napagtanto ng prinsesa na napapalibutan nga sila ng nyebe...

The Northern lights greeted her from the night sky.

"ANONG GINAGAWA NATIN SA NORTH POLE?!"

The blonde werewolf laughed. "Magiging substitute ka nga ni Santa Claus, 'di ba? I'll explain everything on the way, kitten. Sa ngayon, kailangan na nating magmadali dahil malapit nang maghating-gabi!"

Sunod siyang hinila ni Lycros papunta sa gingerbread village sa kanilang harapan.

Sa kabila ng kanyang pagtataka, hindi maiwasang mamangha ni Red sa village na ito---No. This wasn't any ordinary village.

Ito ang maalamat na Christmas Village!

'Well, I guess that makes sense since it's Christmas.'

Katulad ng mga nabasa niya noon sa mga children's books, this village was made out of treats! Gingerbread houses with their crisp rooftops covered in thick snow. Candy cane lamp posts decorated with red stripes. Christmas laterns and children making snow angels and snowmans on the streets. Laughter and the sweet voice of angels singing in the background.

Sa kabila ng nyebeng bumabalot sa lugar, the warm glow coming from several shops calmed her down a bit.

Just a bit.

Sa sentro ng village, natanaw ni Red ang isang dambuhalang Christmas tree. Kumukuti-kutitap pa ang dekorasyon nito. Halos malula ang prinsesa habang sinusubukan niyang tingnan ang tuktok. This looked almost as big as the werewolves' castle! 

For a moment, she wanted to imagine a smaller version of this inside their palace.

The queen would probably be decorating it herself.

'If only she were alive.'

Pinilit isantabi ni Red ang lungkot na nararamdaman niya. May mas mahalagang bagay pa siyang dapat pagtuunan ng pansin ngayon.

"At bakit naman kailangan ng substitute ni Santa Claus? This doesn't make any sense!"

Before Lycros could even answer, another voice popped out of nowhere.

"Ho-ho-ho! I knew I heard a familiar voice!
Look who we have here!
The princess in red, blessed us with her presence...
Oh, it's a pleasure to see you, my dear!"

Agad na napalingon si Red sa kanyang likuran. Hindi na siya nagulat nang makita niya roon si Linus. Sa kanilang magkakapatid, ang werewolf na ito ang pinaka-"poetic".

And by poetic, well, he always speaks in rhymes!

"Linus, pati ba naman ikaw nakikisali sa kalokohang ito?"

Mahinang natawa ang literature enthusiast at mabilis siyang inakbayan. The bronze lion medallion dangling from his neck stood out. Hindi tulad ni Lycros, nakasuot ng ordinaryong medieval clothes si Linus. His tunic had patches of snowflakes on them while his eyes---a lighter shade of chocolate---melted into hers.

"What are you talking about, love?
'Tis the season to be jolly!
Now, why don't you leave that lone wolf,
and accompany me inside my library?"

As much as she wanted to get some answers, hindi maiwasang maakit sa ideya ang prinsesa. "May library ka dito sa Christmas Village?"

Linus nodded. Pasimple na siya nitong iginigiya papunta sa isang kalye.

"I was assigned as the village bookkeeper
by none other than jolly ol' Santa!
That man knew I was perfect for the job,
so---"

"Hands off because that's not in her agenda!"

Nabigla na lang si Red nang mabilis siyang hinila palalayo ni Lycros. A low growl escape the blonde's lips as he glared at his brother.

She sighed. 'Hanggang dito ba naman?'

Samantala, napasimangot naman ang makata sabay kibit ng balikat.

"It's Christmas eve, brother!
Let the princess have some peace...
And what better way to celebrate the season
than to read while eating sweets?"

To be honest, that idea does sound quite appealing.

Too bad Lycros doesn't think the same.

"Were going, kitten. May mas importante ka pang misyon ngayong gabi," he said those words with finality.

Sandaling nag-isip ang dalaga. As much as she just wants to lock herself in library and read books by the fireplace l night, mas inuusig siya ng kanyang kuryosidad sa pagiging "substitute" ni Santa Claus. So, with an apologetic smile, the princess turned to Linus.

"Lycros is right... I have something else to do. But maybe you can take me to your library next time?"

The poet smiled and kissed the back of her hand.

"Of course! Whenever you're free...
Merry Christmas, my prose and poetry."

My prose and poetry.

Red Ridinghood blushed at the endearment. Marahang tumango ang prinsesa at tuluyan nang sinundan si Lycros papunta sa kabilang bahagi ng Christmas Village...

*

Red Ridinghood couldn't believe her eyes. Sino ba naman kasing matutuwa kung bubungad sa kanila ang malaking karatulang nagsasabing:

ROAD CLOSED. UNDER CONSTRUCTION.

Road construction? Sa North Pole? During Christmas eve?

Hindi niya tuloy alam kung nahawaan rin ba ng kabaliwan ang lugar na ito o sadyang nadala niya rito ang kanyang kamalasan. Mukhang pati si Lycros ay namomorblema na rin. Gustuhin man nilang dumaan, may nakabantay ring mga elves kaya hindi sila pwedeng lumusot sa harang. They even denied Lycros' ID!

"Damn it... Wala man lang kasi kayong advisory!"

"Bawal."

Supladong sabi ng isang elf, kahit pa isang dangkal lang ang laki nito.

Inis namang ginulo ng werewolf ang kanyang buhok. "Isusumbong ko talaga kayo kay Santa! I'll tell him to write your names on top of the naughty list next year!"

Pero tinawanan lang siya ng mga dwende.

When all hope is lost, Red and Lycros caught a glimpse of something white in the nearby forest. Napasimangot ang prinsesa. 'Kailan pa gumalaw ang nyebe?' She squinted her eyes until she saw the outline of a something familiar.

Para bang tinatawag siya nito.

"Kitten, wait!"

Hindi na nagpapigil pa si Red Ridinghood at mabilis na tumakbo papunta roon. Huminto siya sa tapat ng higanteng lobong doble ang laki sa kanya.

Kilala niya ito.

You see, the Big Bad Werewolves can be distinguished by the color of their wolves. Ang bawat isa sa pitong magkakapatid ay naiiba ang kulay. Paminsan-minsan, nakikita ni Red ang pag-transform nila sa kastilyo. And if her memory serves her right, the one with the white wolf is...

"Helisson?"

As a response, the white wolf bowed its head to her, like how his human form would do.

A gentleman.

That's how she would always describe him in her head.

Which reminds her...

"Hel, may alam ka bang ibang daan papunta sa bahay ni Santa Claus?"

Tumango ang puting lobo. Napangiti naman si Red at binalingan si Lycros. Tahimik itong nakatitig sa kanyang kapatid. Hanggang ngayon, nahihiwagaan pa rin si Red sa kanilang telepathic powers. Whether they gained it by being a werewolf or by their blood relation, she can't really tell. Maya-maya pa, tumango si Lycros at bumaling sa kanya.

"Through the forest. Ang sabi niya may daan doon diretso sa bahay ni Santa."

"That's great! Pero paano tayo..."

Helisson and Lycros stared at her.

Wala man siyang "telepathic powers" agad naman niya itong naunawaan.

"Oh, shit. D-Don't tell me...?"

Tumango ang magkapatid.

Mahinang napamura ang prinsesa.

*

Soon, Princess Rieka "Red" Ridinghood found herself clutching onto the golden wolf's back. Sinalubong sila ng malakas at malamig na hampas ng hangin habang tinatahak nila ang baku-bakong daan.

Up ahead, the white wolf led the way.

Walang kahirap-hirap na tinalunan ng werewolves ang nakatumbang troso, hindi alintana ang madilim na paligid, makakapal na mga puno, o mga sangang sumasabit sa kanila.

Kamuntikan pang tumalsik ang prinsesa dahil sa bilis ng kanilang kilos.

"CAN YOU BOYS PLEASE SLOW DOWN?!"

But Red's voice was only muffled by the winter winds and their synchronized howling...

"AWOOOOO!"

'Damn werewolves.'

Nang maaninag na niya ang isang maliit na cottage sa di-kalayuan, nakahinga nang maluwag ang dalaga. The gold colored wolf stopped, giving her time to jump down and compose herself.

The princess felt something soft beneath her sandals. This time, she was sure it wasn't snow. It was actually...

'White roses?'

Nang mag-angat ng tingin ang dalaga, saka niya lang napansin ang malawak na taniman ng mga puting rosas. Oddly enough, they were in full bloom, their leaves glistening silver with ice. Hindi makapaniwala si Red sa kanyang nakikita. Posible ba talagang mabuhay ang mga rosas sa North Pole?

The idea seems absurd, but then again, everything else inside the castle seem to defy the laws of reality.

"Tara na, kitten! Hinihintay na tayo ni Santa. Don't wanna keep him waiting now, do we?"

Napatingin si Red kay Lycros. Nakabalik na siya sa kanyang anyong-tao, at katulad ng madalas na nangyayari tuwing magta-transform sila, their clothes looked ripped and torn at the seams. Nang dumako naman ang mga mata ni Red sa kapatid nito, she was greeted by the sight of a man in a doctor's clothes.

'Paano naman nanatiling buo ang damit niya?'

Helisson smiled at her, "I hope you didn't get injured from our little trip, Miss Red. Kapag may masakit sa'yo, sabihin mo lang sa'kin."

She had a hard time craning her neck, since he was the tallest among the brothers. But, anyway...

"I'm fine, Helisson."

Mukhang hindi ito kumbinsido. Mabuti na lang at hindi na siya nagpumilit. He always respected her words, no matter how ironic they were sometimes.

"If you say so, Miss Red. Pero hindi mo dapat sinasarili ang anumang sakit. Burdens are meant to be shared with others to lessen the pain, you know..."

If only it were that simple.

Did Red mention that Helisson was also the "pack doctor" of the Big Bad Werewolves? Well, yes they have regenerative abilities, pero tuwing may malubhang sugat o karamdaman ang sinuman sa kanila, si Helisson ang kanilang manggagamot. He even manages the castle infirmary!

As the three made their way towards the cottage nestled at the center of everything, hindi napigilang tanungin ni Red ang tungkol sa mga bulaklak.

"Kayo rin ba ang naglagay ng rosas sa kwarto ko kanina?"

Sabaya na umiling ang dalawa.

"Baka si Santa ang naglagay 'non," Lycros shrugged.

"Yup. Baka ipinadala niya sa isa sa mga reindeers niya. Ghost reindeers, of course."

Santa. Reindeers. Roses.

Damn. Hindi talaga inaasahan ng prinsesa na mangyayari ito sa kanya.

Pero mukhang wala rin naman siyang mapapala sa kanyang pagtatanong. Heaving a deep breath, Red Ridinghood walked ahead. Kasabay ng kanyang paglalakad, hinaplos niya ang mga puting rosas. Sa bawat pagdampi ng kanyang balat, naging kulay dugo ang mga ito...

Soon, the princess left a trail of blood red roses in her wake.

Red against white.

Just like that blood stain she left on the white marble floor.

*

In all honesty, she wasn’t expecting Santa’s house to be so… simple. Isang maliit na wooden cottage sa gitna ng nyebe at hardin ng mga putting rosas. Tiningnan ni Red ang usok na nagmumula sa chimney nito bago ibinalik ang atensyon sa mailbox.

SANTA CLAUS
#0001
North Pole, Earth

‘This must be the craziest thing that has ever happened to me yet.’

Nang mapindot na ni Lycros ang doorbell, umalingawngaw sa katahimikan ang musikang katunog ng ‘Jingle Bells’ na naririnig niya noon sa kanilang kaharian sa Eastwood. Nang bumukas ang pinto, nagtaka ang dalaga dahil walang tao.

‘Hindi kaya wala rito si Sa---’

“BOO!”

Kamuntikan nang mawalan nang balanse si Red dahil sa pagkabigla. It was a good thing she steadied herself in time.

She glared at the bastard who almost gave her a heart attack.

"CARTERON!"

Tumawa lang nang malakas ang werewolf. A creepy smile graced his lips while he hung upside-down. Oo, nakasalambitin na naman ito sa ere gamit ang mga paborito niyang lubid. Pero ngayong natitigang maigi ni Red ang kanyang suot, she immediately frowned.

"At bakit ka naman nakasuot ng damit pang-elf?"

"Oh, this?" He flicked the bell on his elf hat, "So that I can sneak in here and kill ya, Your Highness. It'll be merrier to die in a winter wonderland. HAHAHAHA!"

Napailing na lang si Red. Kahit kailan talaga hindi na magbabago ang sadistang ito. For some odd reason, Carteron loves hanging himself. Not to mention he's a sadistic bastard who loves seeing her suffer. Kaya ganoon na lang ang gulat ni Red nang kusa itong bumaba (kumuha siya ng gunting at ginupit ang lubid na tumatali sa kanyang mga paa), inayos ang sarili, at iminuwestra ang kanyang mga kamay.

"We can talk about death later... Welcome to Santa's house!"

And just like that, the whole place buzzed to life.

Narinig ni Red ang tunog ng mga toy trains at tambol ng mga drummer figurines. Napuno ng musika ng isang marching band at pangangaroling ng mga manika ang lugar. Kumislap ang liwanag na nagmumula sa mga parol na lumulutang sa ere, some where when moon-shaped---reminding her of the lanterns back at the castle. The smell of freshly baked bread and holiday dishes made her mouth water.

Colors danced before her eyes.

Red poinsettia flowers, emerald green garlands, and glimmering gold tapestries.

Sa isang iglap, biglang nag-transform ang loob ng bahay ni Santa.

But one question still nagged at her...

"Nasaan si Santa?"

Nag-iwas ng tingin ang tatlong werewolves. Napahalukipkip na lang si Red Ridinghood. Masama ang kutob niya rito...

"He's on vacation."

Nagulat na lang ang prinsesa nang biglang sumulpot sa kanyang gilid ang isang lalaki. Abala ito sa pag-aasikaso ng checklist sa kanyang clipboard. Without so much as sparing her a glance, he spoke with authority.

"Kaya ikaw muna ang mag-dedeliver ng mga regalo ngayong gabi, my empress."

Napanganga si Red sa sinabi ni Acontes.

She stared at him, wide-eyed. At sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon, hinihilig niyang sana may sira lang ang hearing aids niya.

Hindi ba talaga siya niloloko ng mga ito?

Pero nang titigan niya ang reaksyon ng iba pang werewolves, nakangiti lang sila sa kanya. Realization finally hit her. 'Oh, no...no...no! T-This can't be happening! Totoo nga yung sinasabi kanina ni Lycros na magiging substitute ako ni Santa?!'

"Acontes, this is a mistake! H-Hindi ako pwedeng pumalit kay Santa Claus!"

Napabuntong-hininga na lang ang panganay sa Big Bad Werewolves at seryosong tumingin sa kanya. The scar on his face was still visible under the soft glow of a Christmas lantern, giving him that dominant aura. His silver eyes challenged her. Bakit pa nga ba siya magtataka? Si Acontes nga naman kasi ang "alpha" ng kanilang pack. Sa pananatili ni Red sa kanilang palasyo, siya lagi ang nasusunod.

The authority and the leader. But right now, he's nothing more than...

"Tsk! As Santa's secretary, tungkulin kong siguraduhing maayos mong magagampanan ang trabaho mo. Unfortunately, before he left, he specifically said that you'll take over his position and fulfill his work this Christmas eve," his deep baritone voice spoke with finality.

"But---!"

"No buts, my empress. Nakasalalay sa'yo ang kapalaran ng Pasko ngayong taon."

"Paano kung ayaw ko?" Amber eyes glared.

Bago pa man makalayo si Red, mabilis na hinapit ni Acontes ang kanyang baywang gamit ang isang kamay. His hot breath made her skin tingle. Their proximity made her knees weak. Mahina siyang napamura nang halikan ni Acontes ang kanyang leeg. Soon, his sharp canines grazed her skin as he growled...

"Santa said I can make you my dinner if you deny his request, my empress... Would you like that?"

Napalunok na lang sa kaba ang prinsesa.

'Sino ba kasi si Santa?! Damn, I'm seriously gonna kill him!'

Flushed, she quickly pushed him away. Sinundan ng tingin ni Red ang tinurong bintana ni Acontes. Sa labas nito, naaninag niya ang pulang sled na naglalaman ng samu't saring mga regalong kailangang i-deliver ngayong gabi.

"Time is ticking, my empress. Or should I say, Santa?" Acontes smirked mischievously.

Kalaunan, napabuntong-hininga ang prinsesa.

It's not like she has much of a choice, right?

'Ugh..this is a nightmare!'

*

"How on earth will I know where to deliver them?"

Agad na reklamo ni Red habang nagla-last minute checking pa si Acontes sa mga regalong nasa sled. Sa 'di kalayuan, mukhang excited na ang mga multong reindeers sa kanilang paglalakbay. Kanina pa sila aligagang naglalaro sa nyebe. One of them even had a glowing red nose, for pete's sake!

'Rudolph?'

This is crazy!

Nang matapos na sa kanyang ginagawa si Acontes, he handed her a red sack and responded, "Do you honestly think we'd let you drive Santa's sled without a license? Baka multahan pa kami at malugi ang gift-making factory. Hintayin na lang natin ang driver...and there he is!"

Napatingin ang prinsesa sa bagong-dating. Ni hindi niya narinig ang paglalakad nito. He sipped on his mug of hot grape juice and silently nodded in acknowledgement.

"Nyctimus!"

Natatakpan pa rin hood ang kalahati ng mukha ng wolf magician. Kung sabagay, kahit naman sa loob ng kanilang kastilyo, hindi pa talaga nito ipinapakita ang kanyang buong mukha---at bilang lang ni Red sa kanyang mga daliri ang mga salitang lumabas sa bibig nito mula nang maging panauhin siya ng werewolves. Yes, Nyctimus never really talks much. There was always an air of mystery and magic around him.

Maybe because he's the youngest of the Big Bad Werewolves?

'Or maybe he's just another anti-social emo? Who knows!'

“Umm… Ikaw ang magiging driver ko?”

Tumango lang ito sa kanya at dumiretso na sa sled.

See? He doesn't like talking.

Hindi pa rin alam ni Red kung bakit hanggang nagyon ay hindi pa rin siya nasasanay rito.

Sa huli, wala na siyang nagawa kung hindi sundan ito at umasang magiging maayos ang lahat ngayong Pasko.

She bid a farewell to the other wolves, silently wishing she won't screw up.

Red Ridinghood wasn’t trained for this.

Sa ilang taon na niyang pag-aaral ng royal etiquette at mga batas sa kanilang kaharian, ni minsan ay wala siyang nabasa tungkol sa paano maging isang substitute ni Santa Claus. So, when the magical sled took off into the cold night, Red immediately thought she was going to fall off her seat.

Ano nga ulit ang linya ni Santa? Aha!

“H-Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas!"

She lamely tried to sound jolly even though she wanted to throw up.

Ilang daang talampakan na ang taas nila sa lupa. Sinubukan niyang pakalmahin ang kanyang sarili at ituon na lang ang kanyang atensyon sa mga ghost reindeers. Sa kanyang tabi, tahimik namang nagmamaneho si Nyctimus na para bang may sarili na naman siyang mundo.

Amber eyes stared up at the full winter moon.

‘Hindi naman siguro mahirap maging si Santa Claus, hind ba?’

Or so she thought…

Unang village pa lang, nahirapan nang panindigan ng prinsesa ang pagiging “Santa”. She struggled to drag the gifts towards the chimney. Halos dumulas pa siya sa kapal ng nyebeng bumabalot dito. The sled was parked a few houses away, habang prenteng umiinom ng grape juice si Nyctimus. Mukhang wala talaga itong balak tumulong sa kanya.

How hard could it be?

“Kaya mo ‘to, Red! Y-You just need to slide down the chimney, put this gift under their Christmas tree, and eat some cookies.” She (desperately) tried to convince herself…

But that was easier said than done,
she realized a little too late;
Red accidentally delivered the wrong present
and choked on the cookie she ate.

She clumsily stumbled from house to house;
got her red cloak stuck on a log!
Before she could even sneak under the tree,
Red was soon attacked by the owner’s dog.

Once, she tried to balance the boxes of gifts
but dropped them when she attempted to hide;
Red cursed herself for being careless
especially when she heard something break inside.

Red then delivered a couple of toys,
and tiptoed back to the chimney with a sigh,
but upon knocking down the tree, and causing a mess,
she even made a poor baby cry!

At last, she stopped by a fortune-teller’s home,
Her amber eyes were half-lidded and tired…
Sliding down the chimney, she jolted awake
When she was almost scorched by the fire!

With a heavy heart, she dragged herself
Averted her attention from the disastrous sight;
“Good job, Red,” the princess mocked,
Before officially calling it a night...

*

“I think I ruined Christmas.”

Mahinang sambit ng dalaga nang tuluyan na siyang makabalik sa sled. Sa kanyang tabi, tahimik lang siyang tinitigan ni Nyctimus. Makalipas ang ilang sandali, kinuha na nito ang reigns at mahinang bumulong…

“You did.”

Red bitterly smiled.

‘Grabe, minsan ka na nga lang magsalita.’

Pero lalo lang siyang na-guilty sa kanyang ginawa. Tapos na ang kanyang trabaho. Papasikat na ang araw. At nang sinimulan na nilang lumipad pabalik sa North Pole, huminga nang malalim ang prinsesa.

Nang marating na nila ang bahay ni Santa Claus, agad na napansin ni Red ang pagbabago ng paligid. The atmosphere suddenly became heavier and there was a certain chill she couldn’t explain. Well, given that they’re surrounded by ice and snow, pero hindi maipaliwanag ng prinsesa ang lamig na kanyang naramdaman.

Tila ba lalong lumamig ang paligid, kung posible pa nga ‘yon mangyari.

Pero hindi lang ‘yon ang nakapukaw sa kanyang atensyon…

“Bakit wala nang usok sa chimney?”

At wala na ring ilaw sa bintana.

At wala na ring musika.

Nang lingunin niya si Nyctimus para tanungin ito, nanlata ang prinsesa nang makitang wala na roon ang sled. Walang mga ghost reindeers. Walang Nyctimus. Walang anumang bakas sa nyebe.

As if they never existed.

Napalunok si Red at pinilit isantabi ang kabang naramdaman.

With no other choice, she walked into the cottage and silently hoped that her mind was just playing tricks on her. Nangiginig pa ang kanyang mga kamay nang buksan niya ang pinto, but when she finally saw what was inside, her heart stopped…

Empty.

Nanlaki ang kanyang mga mata sa takot at pagtataka.

“Lycros? Helisson?”

Walang sumagot.

“Carteron? Damn it, wolves! H-Hindi ako nakikipagbiruan sa inyo…”

She struggled to keep her voice steady. Red stepped inside, and noted how her footsteps echoed throught the old wooden house. Lalong bumigat ang kanyang pakiramdam nang mapansing wala na roon ang makukulay na mga laruan. Walang ilaw. Walang buhay. Ang tanging musikang narinig niya ay ang nakabibinging katahimikan.

Ano bang nangyari rito?

“Hello, ma cherié.”

Red Ridinghood quickly turned around, just in time to meet dark eyes under a mop of messy black hair. Isang malungkot na ngiti ang iginawad sa kanyang ng binatang walang suot na pang-itaas. This wasn’t new, of course. Kahit sa kastilyo, hindi talaga nagsusuot ng shirt ang werewolf na ito. But what really alarmed her was how his hand tightly clutched a red rose until the thorns pierced into his palms.

A pool of blood on the floor.

“M-Macednus? N-Nasaan ang iba? At bakit nawala ang lahat…?”

She hated how her voice sounded broken. Pero sa nangyayari ngayon, hindi na niya kayang itago ang kanyang takot. Lalo na noong nagsalitang muli ang werewolf…

“Congratulations on ruining Christmas, ma cherié.”

Shit.

“Y-You're Santa? Hindi ko sinasadya! Believe me, I-I tried to—”

But she was quickly interrupted when six pairs of murderous eyes glared at her from the darkness. An animalistic growl filled the air. Sharp teeth bared at her, ready to break through flesh and bone. Natigilan si Red Ridinghood nang mapagtantong papalapit na ang mga dambuhalang hayop sa kanya. Mababangis, ngunit pamilyar ang mga lobong ito.

‘T-The Big Bad Werewolves,’ she realized.

Samantala, puno naman ng pagkadismaya ang mga mata ni Macednus habang nakatitig sa kanya.

Mukhang wala itong balak na pigilan ang kanyang mga kapatid.

“Hindi ka naman dapat pinakatiwalaan.”

Tiwala.

Red Ridinghood wanted to laugh when she realized the irony of the situation. Hindi ba dapat siya mawalan ng tiwala sa kanila?

Damn this.

Humakbang papaatras si Red. Alam niyang wala siyang kalaban-laban sa sandaling atakihin na siya ng mga ito. As much as she wanted to believe that they can't hurt her, a part of her was still terrified of the fact that they're werewolves.

And once werewolves lose control...

'No words can stop them from killing me.'

Lumakas ang pintig ng kanyang puso.

Nakakabingi.

Nakakapanghina.

At nang muling humakbang papalayo sa kanila ang prinsesa, Red Ridinghood found herself in a whirlwind of Tarot cards. Para bang umiikot ang kanyang paningin. Sumulpot sa kanyang harapan ang iba't ibang imahe; iba't ibang baraha. The colors danced around her until her vision blurred.

She can no longer see the wolves.

But she felt a sharp pain on her fingertip.

"A-Aray!"

Red Ridinghood was suddenly pulled back to reality, just in time to see Helisson dabbing a cotton ball on her small wound.

"I'm glad you're finally back to your senses, Miss Red." Mahinang sabi ng pack doctor at ngumiti sa kanya nang makahulugan.

She was standing in the middle of the hallway again.

She's back inside the castle.

Pero ngayon, nakapalibot sa kanya ang Big Bad Werewolves. Bakas ang pag-aalala sa kanilang mga mukha.

"Kitten! You're awake!"

"Too bad. Akala ko patay ka na, Your Highness. HAHAHAHA!"

"I thought slumber stole you for an eternity...
But I'm glad you're safe now, my prose and poetry!"

"...."

"What the hell happened to me...?"

Si Acontes ang nagpaliwanag ng lahat, "Nang hindi ka namin nahanap kanina sa kwarto mo, my brothers and I searched the entire castle for you, my empress. Mabuti na lang at nakita ka ni Lycros dito."

The blonde werewolf nodded, "Yeah! At nang makita namin ang rosas na hawak mo, we immediately figure out what happened." Sinamaan niya ng tingin ang isa nilang kapatid na ninenerbyos na ngumiti sa kanila.

"What do you mean? Anong meron sa rosas na 'yon?" She frowned.

In the end, the shirtless Macednus sighed and explained, "Forgive me, ma cherié! N-Nagkamali kasi ako ng nilagay na rosas sa kwarto mo. I was suppose to give you the class A rose for an early Christmas gift when I accidentally mixed it with a class AB."

AB?

"Ang naibigay sa'yong rosas ni Macednus ay 'yong may lason. Prick your finger and you'll get caught up in an illusion," Helisson finished. "Mabuti na lang at may counter-spell kanina si Nyctimus kaya hindi naging panghabambuhay ang epekto nito sa'yo."

Red Ridinghood was speechless.

"B-But everything seemed so real! Nandoon kayo! Imposibleng ilusyon lang 'yon.. Naging substitute ako ni Santa Claus! And I...I ruined Christmas!"

The seven werewolves just stared at her as if she was mentally unstable.

Natataranta namang hinanap ni Red ang puting pinto para ipakita sa kanila ang lagusan. Pero nanlata lang ang prinsesa nang mapansing wala na ito roon. Wala na ang puting pinto at ang pulang Christmas tree na nakapinta rito. Kahit ang ginuhit niyang bituin gamit ang kanyang dugo, walang naiwang bakas sa reyalidad.

As if it never existed in the first place.

"But I...I r-ruined Christmas."

Just like how she ruined everything else in her life. She was a failure as a princess, as a daughter, and as the heir to the throne. Iyon ang matagal nang nararamdaman ni Red. Ang bigat sa kanyang dibdib. Ang problemang matagal na niyang kinikimkim. Kaya hindi na nakakapagtakang pati sa pagiging substitute ni Santa, magiging isang kahihiyan rin siya.

Pero maya-maya pa seryosong bumaling sa kanya si Acontes.

"I don't think anyone has the power to ruin Christmas, my empress."

"And why is that?"

"Dahil walang ibang pwedeng sumira ng Pasko mo kung hindi ang iyong sarili."

She paused, taken aback by his words.

Bumalik sa kanyang alaala ang mga Paskong lumipas sa kanilang kaharian. Ang okasyong hindi niya naranasan. Honestly, Red knew little about what "Christmas" should actually feel like. When the queen died, Christmas died too---ilang taon nang ganito ang pinanghahawakang katotohanan ng prinsesa. Kung hindi nga lang siya titingin sa kalendaryo, ni hindi niya malalamang Pasko na pala sa kanilang palasyo.

Pero ni minsan, hindi niya natanong ang kanyang sarili...

Ang pagkamatay nga ba ng reyna ang sumira sa kanyang Pasko o siya mismo ang sumira nito?

Damn.

'This is what I get for depending my life on other people,' she sighed.

Sinulyapan niya ang pitong werewolves na humila sa kanya pabalik sa reyalidad. Acontes, Carteron, Lycros, Linus, Macednus, Helisson, and Nyctimus. Kung hindi siguro siya hinanap ng mga binatang ito, malamang habambuhay na siyang makukulong sa isang bangungot na likha ng kanyang puso.

Maybe, just maybe...

She could slowly learn to trust them, after all.

Maybe it's not too late.

Red smiled, "Now that everyone's here, samahan niyo akong mag-setup ng Christmas tree. Gagawa pa tayo ng decorations. Christmas eve is just a few hours away, wolves! Hindi naman siguro kayo busy, 'di ba?"

Napasimangot naman si Acontes.

"But---!"

"No buts, alpha. It's Christmas, remember?"

She winked and led the way.

Nagkatinginan ang Big Bad Werewolves at sabay-sabay na napabuntong-hininga. Sa huli, kusang-loob rin nilang sinundan ang dalaga.

A glimpse of red vanished into the white hallway...

Just like how her blood stain vanished on that white marble floor.

THE END.

Note: this isn't connected to the plot of the novel. Thanks for reading!