"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

In the forest in front of the fort, the three men stood with Anaya and Azrel. Anaya surveyed the ramparts; they seemed void of guards. 


“What do you see?” she asked, pressing her shoulder to Azrel’s. 


“I only see two guards near the door.” Azrel closed his eyes. “But I hear more inside.” 


Anaya’s breath became shallow. Even with Azrel’s strength, they wouldn't be able to take on that many guards. 


“We will have to be stealthy and try to get in and out without them noticing us,” the oldest guard said. 


Anaya looked around them and she suddenly realized where they were. 


“Will you keep guard for a moment?” Anaya looked at the men and then pulled Azrel away. 


Anaya didn't answer and continued to pull on him more urgently. They stopped in a low grove. The trees allowed the moonlight to shine through the leaves creating a water-like look to the area.


Chapter 47: The Rescue