Jo Thromby

"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

“Princess your dress for tonight.” A handmaiden poked her head into the room. Anaya was pinned to a chair by another maid who was fiddling with her hair, tying it up into tight braids. 


Anaya attempted to look back and thank the young woman but her head was forced into a forward position. 


“Thank you, please lay it on the bed,” Anaya said into the mirror as she watched the young woman place the elegant dress onto the bed, matching veil on top. It was a light blue color with lace running up both sides. 


“A beautiful dress madam.” The maid said, pulling her hair. Anaya stifled a yelp when a piece of hair was yanked particularly hard. 


“You are sure to catch the eye of your betrothed, Prince Khanthar.” The maid cooed, placing the last pin in place on her head. 


“The Summer Festival is sure to be lovely this year.” The handmaiden near the bed straightened the dress out. 


Chapter 34: The Gossip