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

Talfryn appeared at Akton’s side, then went to the hawk shifter and knelt.


“Watch out,” snapped Akton, rushing to put his sword near the man’s neck when he moved his good arm in a threatening gesture.


“It’s fine,” said Talfryn, pushing Akton’s sword away by the flat of the blade. “It looks deep.”


“It struck him when he was a fucking bird,” said Akton, angry that Talfryn didn’t seem to care at all about his own safety. “There are real victims to help. In the town. Let him die.”


Talfryn’s shoulders stiffened a little, but it was the shifter who reached around with his good hand and yanked at the arrow. The sound he made when it came out of his chest was terrible; he didn’t seem able or willing to remove it from his wrist. Talfryn moved forward to push against the increased flow of blood from his side.


Chapter 30