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

The circle of flame came down and Basil sent several blasts into the buildings across from them. Talfryn returned fire and Akton darted forward, only to get batted away by Basil’s sword.


“You fight like a coward,” said Basil toward the burning buildings.


“I fight like I know who you are,” said Talfryn, and a pillar of flame opened up over Basil. Akton blinked, shocked, but Basil emerged from the fire, glaring. He was naked, clothes having burned off, and clutched his sword, pissed.


Basil had left his ring construction, which was the bad sign that was the good sign, Akton realized. No longer did Basil feel in control—this made him dangerous, but it also told that they were getting somewhere. They just needed to wear him down before he killed them.


Chapter 93