28
Onstage, a well-placed knee from Oberon reduced Krampus to all fours, and Oberon raced past him.
Human? thought Stella.
Her gaze settled on Clara. Despite the cold, the little elf was waxy with sweat as she strained against Oberon’s grip. Her head was turning in awkward, palsy movements.
The elves can’t win, Stella told herself. He’s unstoppable.
‘Zaaoohk,’ Clara moaned, her whole body whining. ‘We have to… do something.’
‘Nicko’s dead,’ Zak replied with tears in his eyes.
‘I know…’ She coughed. ‘He can’t save us this time. It’s on us.’
‘I can’t move.’
‘No, but you can sing. This is our chance.’
‘I… can.’ He sounded surprised.
Stella stood by, conflicted. Flames throbbed under her fingertips as she glanced at Toby, then Oberon, then Krampus. Why did she find this so hard? Why
