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

“What do you think of shifters, then?”


Akton tried not to stiffen. Talfryn was clearly looking over at him. Judging him. He wanted to shrug but instead grunted.


“A couple of them tried to kill me,” he said. “What am I supposed to think?”


“You got defensive about them, too.”


“Look who’s talking,” said Akton, irritated when Talfryn smiled at that.


“Do you?” asked Akton, wanting to turn this back on Talfryn. “Sleep with one once?”


“Shifters must come through Teorg occasionally, yes,” said Talfryn. “I probably have. But do you really expect any of them to mention that to me?”


“So you do know someone,” said Talfryn, and Akton scowled. He was getting pissed. Talfryn clearly was much more used to conversation than he was—Akton spent so much time on the road or doing chores, he didn’t have much experience talking around things. And Talfryn appeared to be very engaged with everything in Teorg.


Chapter 14