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 didn’t think I could figure it out, did you?” asked Basil, sounding smug. “I admit, I was confused at first. I was shocked to find a fire wielder so strong. But by our second encounter, I knew.”


Talfryn moved forward, around a boulder. He was aware it was a bad idea to let Basil stall like this, let him regain strength or come up with some plan, let Akton die waiting for Talfryn to return to him. And the more Basil talked, the more Talfryn was convinced it meant he was weakened.


“Well done,” he said, but continued to advance.


“And here I thought I was the only one,” said Basil. “But Ylenia’s been up to some breeding programs, hasn’t she?”


Talfryn froze. It took everything to resist looking into Basil’s eyes, seeking out presence or lack of honesty. But Talfryn wasn’t going to fall for it. He wasn’t going to let anything Basil said shock him into getting frozen. He forced himself to keep going.


Chapter 95