The bushes rustled. Malin knew Shoe was approaching, and he knew what had to be done to keep her far away from Life.
"I'm sure," he promised, flashing Life a genuine smile. "Just trust me one more time, okay? I'll see you soon. Now that I've found you, there's no way I'll lose you so easily. So--"
Shoe burst out from the leaves, her jaw open. In a heartbeat, Malin flung himself at the pouncing wolf and knocked her onto the ground, prompting a yelp from Shoe.
"Run!" he shouted, wrestling with Shoe in the dirt. Shoe clamped her jaw around Malin's shoulder, but Malin refused to budge.
If this was what had to be done to keep Life safe, he would do it. She was worth it to him.
Bennie smiled to herself. These were easy questions to answer--of course she remembered her own son's name. It was easy as pie.
"Krampus," she declared proudly. "See? Of course I love you, Krampus. You're my only son."