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

“You have a lot of books,” he said.


Talfryn rolled his eyes. “I suppose Ylenia noticed how much I liked them. I didn’t even realize they were here until I went digging, thinking she probably gave me some magic proof clothes too. Next time I won’t have to walk into a town in my underwear.”


“Here,” said Talfryn, passing three books over. “These are all on battle techniques.”


“Good. Maybe one of them will have some advice on how we can both attack Basil effectively.”


Talfryn stiffened. He pulled out the map book he wanted and turned back to Akton, but didn’t look at him.


“I’m sorry,” he said. “I wasn’t there for you, and you could have died. I…don’t think I could have lived with myself.”


Chapter 83