"Azrel?"

Azrel stopped looking at his changed form and saw that he was alone again save for one dark-haired girl; she held her hand to him. He tried to remember if they had met before.

"I am a monster." He shied away from her but she stepped closer regardless.

"Azrel take my hand." She spoke with the voice of a thousand women before her. Being close to her made him feel more at ease. He felt human again.

"Please?" She spoke softly and he felt his heart buckle for her.

He reached for her hand feeling like he might crush her with his new claws. When they touched, he felt calm for the first time since he was a child.

***

Anaya and Azrel are hiding secrets. She is a spy for the rebels against her own will. He has a new power that changes him into a beastly creature. Posing as siblings, their love becomes another secret they bare. Together they must find a way to save the kingdom and each other. 

Spoils of War is created by Jo Thromby, an eGlobal Creative Publishing signed author.

Spoils of War

"What do you think their plan with the princess is?" An older counselor named Trager asked as he surveyed the rest of the council members. 


The entire council had been called. Azrel sat next to his father at the war table. He tried his best not to look at the hidden room that lay beyond the tapestry behind him. 


"Ransom," Azrel spoke up, and the members looked at him quizzically. He did not make a habit of showing his opinion.


"You don't think she is merely being used as protection against an attack?" A young counselor responded.


"The rebels don't have a lack of spirit; they have a lack of resources. They are expecting us not to attack because we risk them killing Nasacha if we get too close." Azrel stood and walked around the table. "We should explore their weakness in judgment and attack."


The counselors murmured and looked to Islo, who said nothing, letting his firstborn take command.


Chapter 13: The Council