"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

“Azrel.” Anaya searched through the castle. She wanted to believe that she could make things right. She had hid like a coward from him. She could feel the bond between them straining like fabric pulled too far apart. 


The commotion still surrounded the castle. Anaya was able to move around without much interference. 


“Nasacha.”  She stumbled into Khanthar’s arms. 


Khanthar hugged her sotightly thatthe air left her lungs. 


“Don't forget our upcoming wedding,” Khanthar whispered in her ear. It made her shiver. 


He pulled away smiling, patting his hand on her cheek. Anaya felt sick to her stomach. She couldn't go through with the wedding without Azrel’s support. She slipped from Khanthar’s grip muttering an excuse. She backed into an empty kitchen. 


Chapter 38: The Apology