You slap the handcuffs onto the Riddler, ignoring his protests, and move swiftly to untie Santa. The man looks battered, his red clothing torn and stained, his white beard matted with dirt. Just as you begin loosening the final knot, the Riddler pipes up.

"Look at the screen," he says, a sly grin spreading across his face.

You hesitate but finish untying Santa before turning toward the glowing monitor. Your heart sinks as you see Spudley, trembling in the grip of the creature, its twisted form looming over him.

While your attention is fixed on the screen, you hear movement behind you. Turning slightly, you catch Santa rising to his feet, his movements unnervingly deliberate.

The Riddler’s voice cuts through the tension. “You see that creature?” he begins, almost taunting. “Well, here’s a riddle for you: Who’s been keeping secrets? That creature... is Mrs. Claus!”

Before the words can fully sink in, Santa grabs the Riddler from behind. His jovial face twists into something malevolent, an evil glint in his eye. With a sickening crack, he snaps the Riddler’s neck and lets the body crumple to the floor.

Santa turns to you, his gaze cold and calculating. “It’s not her fault,” he says with eerie calm. “She just can’t handle her eggnog. But no one must know my secret.”

Before you can react, Santa hurls an icicle with deadly precision. It pierces your throat, and a sharp, icy pain blossoms in your neck. Blood floods your mouth, and each desperate breath gurgles as the life drains from you.

You collapse to the ground, your vision darkening. Your eyes flick back to the screen one last time, locking onto Spudley’s terrified face. Then everything fades to black.

At least you saved Christmas...

Bump