"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

“There is one more thing to do tonight,” Anaya said after they had taken a moment to rest outside the temple. The light had retreated from their bodies and Anaya felt tired, yet there was still too much to do.


“Am I going to be excited about this?” Azrel mused.


“No, probably not,” Anaya answered and Azrel’s face grew grim. 


Anaya chewed her lip and Azrel stepped closer. 


“I would follow you anywhere,” Azrel said, kissing her gently. Anaya just wanted to stay in this moment forever, just the two of them; not worried about the war on their doorstep. 


“I hope you mean that.” She muttered pulling away from him. 


“This is about your family isn't it?'' Azrel said, reading her mind like he often did. She pressed her head on his chest not being able to look into his eyes anymore. 


“I can't fight here until I know they are safe.” Anaya shuttered. “If they are still alive.” 


Chapter 46: The Old Spies