Generations ago, shifters -- many with magic powers -- were accepted throughout Emylnor. But a war with the nearby dragon nation bred concern, and though Emylnor's forces beat back the invasion, the shifters retreated into hiding.<br><br>Akton is a weasel shifter who seems to have no magical talents. When he is hunted, Talfryn joins the fight, finally able to flex his salamander flame powers. But while they make a good team, the thrill quickly wears off when they uncover recruitment orders. A shifter named Basil is building an army.<br><br>Someone has to warn Queen Ylenia before Basil can launch Emylnor into another war. When Akton and Talfryn volunteer to deliver the information to her, they have no intention of getting deeply involved with the fight -- or each other. But to stop Basil, they need to learn to trust each other completely, and fast. Or all of Emylnor will burn ...

Flame and Snow

“He needs to get back home. People his age ought to be settling down. Starting families. Putting back into their communities. Not getting in with the likes of whoever would have three different types of flaming acid spells.”


Talfryn scowled, but when Akton caught his gaze he almost looked embarrassed before turning away. Had Glenna thought they’d make a couple? Maybe for a night, but—Akton shook himself. He couldn’t be thinking about sex, not when he wasn’t sure where to go or what to do next, not when this town seemed to be out to get him, too.


“Actually, the reason they were trying to kill me was because I said I didn’t want to get in with them,” he said, and when Glenna turned to look at him he pulled open the strange pack and took out the parchment orders. “I was at a town just within the confines of these orders, to buy supplies. When no one joined their group they burned the place down.”


Chapter 10