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

“Could be anything. Just because water wielders can handle ice to a small extent doesn’t mean that there aren’t shifters with ice magic. The cartographer said Basil has some ability over cold. I know what this shifter isn’t, but what they are…anything, Akton. Ice, wind, metal…I’ve read or heard of mineral, blood, plant—”


“I get it,” said Akton, sounding annoyed. “How’re we going to tackle this, then?”


“Ride in and locate the shifters one by one?”


“No,” said Akton, scowling. “Remember what happened when you charged into a burning town with all your shit? I’m not losing all our gear. We tie the horses in the trees and take only what we need.” He shot Talfryn a glance. “Maybe you should go naked.”


“I thought you got pissed when I flirted with people. Now it’s fine to expose myself?”


“You’ll lose all your clothes anyway.”


Chapter 75