Book excerpt: #1 New York Times bestselling author Patricia Briggs presents a collection that includes the first two novels in her Sianim series—together in one volume. Before there was Mercy Thompson...In a world far removed from the Alpha and Omega werewolves...There was the shapeshifting mercenary Aralorn. MASQUES After an upbringing of proper behavior and oppressive expectations, Aralorn has fled her noble birthright for a life of adventure as a mercenary spy. Her latest mission involves gathering intelligence on the increasingly charismatic and dangerous sorcerer Geoffrey ae’Magi. But in a war against an adversary armed with the power of illusion, how do you know who the true enemy is—or where he will strike next? WOLFSBANE For the last ten years, Aralorn has led a dangerous existence. Now she must return home, for her noble father, the Lyon of Lambshold, has passed away. But when Aralorn and her companion Wolf arrive, they find that not only is he not dead, but a darkness is very much alive within him...