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

When Talfryn woke and rolled over, Akton wriggled out.


“Oh, you’re awake,” said Talfryn, yawning. He sounded and looked exhausted. Akton wanted to bundle back up with him again, but Talfryn was looking at him with a mixture of concern, guilt, and relief. Akton shifted back and immediately groaned. His injuries felt worse like this.


“What day is it?” he asked as Talfryn moved forward to examine him.


“The next day.” Talfryn sounded dazed, like he couldn’t believe it was only midmorning of the next day, either. “What happened to your arm and leg?”


Akton looked. The cuts were completely healed, though they were scarred.


“Healed,” he said, lying down when Talfryn instructed him to. “That’s interesting. I heal fast, but not that fast.”


Chapter 82