"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

“Goodnight your highness,” Khanthar kissed Anaya's hand. 


She kept her eyes emotionless. He left her alone and joined the convoy that came to collect him and escort him to his own room. He looked back the whole time as he blew her kisses and told her promises of the future. 


Anaya had spent the entire day with the foreign prince. The older man had regretfully talked little of her home and instead discussed Dermnith’s politics. She had been bored out of her mind. 


When she had finally been free of him, Anaya had shut the door to her room, pressing her head against the door happy for a reprieve of her ruse. 


“How was Khanthar?” a voice called from behind her. 


She spun thinking the spy had entered her room to speak to her. She instead found Azrel leaning against the window. 


“Azrel,” Anaya steadied herself before going to light the candle at her bedside table. 


Chapter 23: The Idea