As a young stag-shifter, all Pembroke dreams of is being harnessed to Santa’s sleigh. Yet his world comes crashing down when Santa is slain by the imposter Frost.<br><br>War erupts in the Arctic Circle, pitting elf against reindeer, and Pembroke is sent on a perilous mission. If he fails, his herd will be lost. When the mission goes awry, the stag-shifter must put his trust in an unlikely ally.<br><br>Where does one turn in a land of ice and blood? What happens when the enemy infiltrates your heart? What begins as a wavering alliance just might take Pembroke farther than he ever imagined.

Sugar Plum'd

He fell into a swaying crowd. Pembroke blinked, trying to identify individuals, but it was impossible, for all the figures, great and small, wore the same loose-fitting rags. Sparks and dust shimmered in the air. It was hard to distinguish between elf, animal, and the toys animated with sugar plum magic. He felt even the soft pelt of an Artic hare hop by. All glazed eyes cast up at a teddy bear perched upon a swaying swing.


A welder was positioned above her so that she swung in a waterfall of endless sparks. Her care-away eyes outlined in charcoal. Cheeks, sagging, for almost all her stuffing had been torn out. Her purpled fur hung on her frame like a coat. She wore a slip stolen off a Dolly.


Chapter 23