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

“How do you deal with it?” he asked. Akton sank down to join him.


“I’m not really. I can barely get out of bed too. But I think it’ll pass.” He paused. He thought it would pass for him because he had Talfryn, because there was hope for something better than just going back to his old life and dwelling on everything he’d done.


“Because we can’t live with it otherwise,” said Akton. “Because…you and I can do something more than just kill. The Winter Burning isn’t frivolous. It’s about finding reasons to celebrate life even while in the deep of winter, isn’t it? When the food might run out, when sickness might spread. We can rely on each other and lift each other up, and that’s what’s going to make it something we can deal with. Because we aren’t like Basil.”


To his surprise, Talfryn snorted and smiled at him.


“You arguing that an unnecessary celebration isn’t frivolous? I think you’re worried about me.”


Chapter 102