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

“Go down and see what they have to say or keep to the trees and see if we run into this block?” he asked. Akton glanced at him.


“You’d prefer to go down, I’d keep to the trees.”


“Well, I’m not splitting,” said Talfryn, pulling out a coin. “Crowns or crosses?”


“Crowns,” said Akton as he flipped. Talfryn smirked when he saw the Xs on the backside of the coin staring up at him. “Shit, really?”


Akton grumbled all the way down the hill. They used the road this time, wanting to blend in as other travelers. Although Talfryn looked ahead down the road, he couldn’t see whatever the block was supposed to be. The people on the edge of the road didn’t wave until they were within shouting range. Akton seemed to be perfectly willing to let Talfryn do the talking, so he put on a slight smile—didn’t want Akton to get upset he was flirting—and addressed the woman who appeared to be in charge. She was short and brown and good at keeping a neutral face.


Chapter 49