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

“Only way out is through the door,” he said. “Shit.”


“Walls are brick,” said Talfryn, placing a hand against one. As though they could whittle their way out if they had been wood instead. “All the way through. Floor’s hard packed. Low light.”


“And I bet it goes when they blow all their candles out for the night,” said Akton. The flicker through the bars on the door was barely enough for him to see by, and his vision was enhanced by his shifter powers. Maybe his job as an apothecary had Talfryn working in dark places and he was used to this.


“But it probably means only one will be awake on duty,” said Talfryn. “So the door probably is the best way to go. I’ll have a look at the lock and hinges.”


Chapter 21