Love at the North Pole - (Steve Claus x Fem Reader)

Part 8: Take us too your leader

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The sleigh rocked as we drifted over the endless ocean, cold air whipping at my face. My injured arm throbbed relentlessly, the pain sharp and unyielding with every jolt of the ride. I adjusted my makeshift bandage, trying to keep the blood from seeping through, but I could feel the dampness spreading. Not good. I swallowed hard, determined not to let it show.

Bryony sat nearby, nervously fiddling with the bicycle. I knew she was stealing glances at me. It wasn't the first time, and I hated the worry I saw in her eyes.

"[Y/N]? Are you sure you're okay?" she finally asked, her voice soft, almost hesitant.

I forced a smile, though it felt strained. "I'm fine," I said quickly. Too quickly.

Bryony frowned, unconvinced. "You don't look fine."

"Really, it's nothing," I insisted, keeping my tone light. "Just a scratch. You've got more important things to worry about."

Her frown deepened, but she said nothing more, turning back to her tools with a sigh. I knew she didn't believe me, and that only made the guilt tighten in my chest. I hated it when people worried about me. I wasn't the one who needed help. We had a child who didn't get a present to focus on, and I wasn't about to let a little pain slow us down.

Meanwhile, Grandsanta seemed completely unfazed by our situation. If anything, he looked thrilled. That mischievous glint in his eyes set my nerves on edge.

"I know where we can find a map!" he announced suddenly, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. "Bit risky, this."

Arthur, Bryony, and I exchanged wary glances. When Grandsanta called something "risky," it usually meant we were seconds away from disaster.

"What kind of risk are we talking about?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

Grandsanta ignored me, rummaging through the sleigh's compartment until he produced a set of peculiar masks. He tossed one to each of us, his grin widening. Even the reindeer got one.

"Trust me!" he said with a wink, snapping the reins.

Before I could press him further, the sleigh lurched violently upward. My breath hitched as the sudden motion jarred my injured arm against the side of the sleigh. I couldn't suppress the sharp gasp that escaped.

Bryony was at my side in an instant, her small hands hovering near mine. "Miss, you're not okay," she said firmly, her voice trembling with concern.

"I told you, I'm fine," I said, gritting my teeth against the pain.

"You don't have to pretend—"

"I'm not pretending," I interrupted, my voice soft but firm.

Bryony hesitated, but she nodded, reluctantly returning to her seat.

The sleigh climbed higher, the air growing colder and thinner. Stars surrounded us, their light stark against the darkness. I couldn't help but stare in awe as the vastness of space unfolded before us, it was .

Grandsanta pointed triumphantly toward the Earth below, its shimmering surface breathtaking. "There! The biggest map in the world!"

For a moment, the tension eased as we all took in the view. Even Arthur's usual nervous chatter fell silent. But the sight of dawn creeping over the horizon snapped us back to reality.

"We're running out of time," Arthur murmured, his voice tight with worry.

"Dash, dash!" Grandsanta barked, urging the reindeer forward.

The sleigh tilted sharply, and we began our descent. The roar of the atmosphere filled my ears, and the heat of reentry made the air around us shimmer. We had to make it.