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 was saved another attack from the woman when she whirled at the man’s scream. He tore his fingers through the fire bonds and dissipated them, pulling himself to his feet in time to see the flame user stagger to the side, clutching his ribs. Akton made to follow, but before he could, the man shifted.


Talfryn stared as the shifter’s form changed to a salamander and scurried off toward a flaming building, leaving a pool of blood behind. 39: Akton


He had not been expecting the bastard to be a salamander. Akton turned back, somewhat shaken, and glanced at Talfryn, who was staring unblinkingly at where the shifter had gone. His mind was probably doing strange things to him—Akton himself vaguely wondered if the shifter and Talfryn were at all related—but that was only bound to be a weakness. Already the woman was recovering.


Chapter 77