5
Stella winced, watching Charlie stagger as a Yule Lad that called himself Bjúg shunted him between the shoulder blades. It took effort to hold back in her alcove. Getting involved wasn’t an option any more. She had chosen her side and would just have to get used to the roughhousing.
‘Hey! Touch my son again. I dare you!’ John advanced on the squat creature. His nostrils flared as they squared up to each other.
Oh, John, Stella winced. Acid jolted through her gut. Don’t make this harder on yourself. She glanced up and down the street. Bjúg had eleven living brothers, all eager to show off their knife skills. No doubt, they would have each other’s backs if a fight broke out.
‘I’d watch your lip, human, if you want to keep it,’ Bjúg responded, undaunted by the man’s extra foot of height
