"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

“Your highness, you seem to be in a good mood.” The royal coordinator mused as he passed by in the hall. 


Azrel had a hard time controlling his smile and just nodded. He was going to meet Anaya in the library for one of their important ‘meetings.’ He slipped into the library surveying the room. Some of the candles were still dripping wax but besides their glowing flicker, there was no other movement in the room.


“Nasacha?” Azrel whispered moving between the shelves. He ducked into a darker part of the library where the hearth's flame didn't reach. It was covered in upholstered chairs and the smell of old paper. 


“Nasa–” Azrel started but a figure popped up beside him and pushed him into a shelf.


“Boo,” Anaya whispered kissing him. “Did I scare you?” 


“No” Azrel lied, begging his heart to stop pounding so fast. He had been on edge ever since they started sneaking around. 


Chapter 30: The Sneaking