John R. Phythyon, Jr

When Wolf Dasher is assigned to find out who is leaking sensitive information to Urland's mortal enemy, Phrygia, he doesn't count on the spy being an innocent victim . . . or that he is the prize in an elaborate double-cross. What begins as a simple reconnaissance mission ends in a harrowing chase across the sky of Mensch's perpetual night, with Wolf pursued by a Phrygian Shadow determined to bring him back to her superiors for torture. Now the hunter becomes the hunted!

"The Darkline Protocol" is a free short story that introduces Wolf Dasher, hero of John R. Phythyon, Jr.'s debut novel, State of Grace. Combining magic, espionage, and politics, "The Darkline Protocol" is a fantasy-thriller mashup offering an electifying brew of action and adventure.