"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

“Father, please, we must talk.” Azrel had finally caught up with his father after his morning meeting with Kinth and the other ambassadors. 


“Azrel we are on our way to arrange more military transfers from Kosha.” Islo brushed him aside. 


Azrel stopped his father and the king finally noticed the look in his eye and shooed the other ambassadors along. Once Azrel made sure they were alone in the hall, he started. 


“I am having trouble with the spirit that resides inside me.” 


Islo made no indication of surprise, he stroked his beard thoughtfully. 


“That is not unusual at this early stage. It can feel overwhelming with all the power inside you. I had the same feeling when I was your age.” His father brushed him off again and began trying to catch up with his royal party. “When you find your anchor the crow will become as calm as you are.”


Chapter 26: The Collide