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

On a whim Akton opened his packet of rue and ate a little, thinking that if it was already in his system, it might help him begin healing the moment he took any damage. Basil had nearly killed him last time and he wanted whatever advantage he could get—he tucked it away before getting too close. He could feel the shifter around the next bend and put a hand on his sword before turning it


Basil was wearing expensive if simple clothes in a solid red with gold stitching at the cuffs and collar. Akton moved closer, wanting to get as near as possible before giving himself away, but about ten feet from Basil’s back, the basilisk spoke.


“Come to play, little weasel?” he asked, and Akton froze, drew his sword. Basil turned enough to glance at him—Akton’s eyes met the icy blue of Basil’s and he felt that pull again, but he resisted. Basil smiled, flicked his wall of flame another few feet along with his hand. “Yes, I’ve figured you out.”


“Then you should be concerned,” said Akton.


Chapter 92