Novels by daniel anih

Excellent," Alex replies, standing taller than me in his human shape. He was tall, but he's grown even taller since then. He kneels next to me and transforms into a wolf in an instant. His brown skin turns to blonde fur, and his piercing green eyes don't go away when his beast fully emerges.He is really tall compared to me. I damn myself for not being taller.He lets his mouth drop. He says, "Right," in a wolf-like, gravelly voice. "So, I know I said I'm all for the basics, but I think you'll learn a little faster if I throw you into the deep end."My wolf-like features twitch into a frown. "What do you mean?" "I mean... this."He jumps on me with the speed of light and throws his weight against me. I let out a startled gasp as his weight pushes me into the floor."What the hell!" I exclaim, feeling heat shoot up my sharp cheekbones. Even fluster, it seems, won't let me go from my wolf form.Alex gives me a wolf-like smile. He presses down on my shoulders for emphasis. "I don't have

My lungs are straining as I haul my bag up another flight of steps, and I moan.I remind myself as I look up at the granite tile peak, only a few more. With each slow breath, I curse Kohl, and when at last I reach the top, it takes everything I have not to fall into the wall. His new room, which is situated just beneath the spiral staircase that leads to his room in the spire, was what he had ordered for me. I had disagreed with him about this, partly because I hadn't wanted to leave Macy behind and partly because moving seemed like a drag after settling in. But there was no disputing with the prince. I had thus made both of us feel better by handing Macy a copy of my key, which Kohl had created at my request, following an incredibly emotional farewell with her. After telling her that she was welcome to stop by at any time, I put my whole wardrobe into a suitcase and left.But I'm not concerned about Macy. Following the event, she had been fired by Gertrude and was now working in the

When Kohl finally reaches the top of the table, he exclaims, "We've made good progress," clutching the back of his seat. We still don't have a solid suspect in mind for this whole thing. Then and only then can we launch a planned, comprehensive attack."I blinked, gazing at Kohl as he examines each of his councils. It dawns on me then just how good of a liar he is. None of these people, who presumably put their trust in him, are aware that he actually has a suspect on the case, and that person happens to be his father. He is lying to their faces, and when his eyes flit to mine, I can see that they are devoid of regret. Once more, he doesn't feel bad about lying, which makes me reevaluate every opinion I have of him.He strikes the back of his chair a few moments later. "All right. Dismissed. Please keep a look out for any unusual activity and let me know when you come across it. Remain alert. Remain vigilant."At that point, the council members get up and start to file out of the buil

Prince Kohl looks at me like he's angry. I'm sure he thinks I'm going to piss now. "Did you not see the burns on her face? Of course there was boiling water in that godsdamned pitcher, what else could it have been?"I keep quiet. Prince Kohl must have seen the burns as well, not because of his elevated voice. Additionally, I am certain that the pitcher did not contain any hot water.But before I can consider it further, Prince Kohl lets out a sigh. Then he motions for me to follow as he passes by. "Come with me.""Where?""To my quarters. You're part of my council now, so it's time I introduce you to the others."I flinch. "I thought I was just going to be your maid?""No," he answers. He's quiet for a short while. He continues, "You will be my spy from now on," but I can't see his faceI stare at Kohl in shock. I'm positive that I misheard. "Pardon?" He looks at me slantwise. "You're going to be my spy, I declared. Unless, naturally, you'd prefer to be a maid.I give a headshake. "No

My face is crimson. I feel like I'm burning, I'm so red. I see scarlet. My face is flushed. I am filled with excitement as I gaze at Gertrude's coiled body, trembling and groveling. I want her to suffer. Her tears pierce my heart, and I realize that I want to hurt her even more. Every sharp note that they make just serves to fan the flames of my inner fire. They ring in my ears. I take up an iron mace from the weapons rack, its weight firm and heavy in my hand, and my movements don't even feel like mine.I look at her intently. My desire is to strike her until she bleeds. She can't breathe, she won't stop crying, and all she can do is apologize profusely for all she's done. That's why I want to beat her.I have no one observing me. Gradually, step by step, I move forward. Next up, another.Next up, another.I lift the blade. My wrist is being grabbed by someone.I turn so quickly that I nearly run into the person who is holding me. Rough breaths are heaving in my chest. His golden eye

I take a bite out of my chicken. Since we were both released from the safe room two days ago by two guards who just so happened to be inspecting every safe room, Alex and I have not spoken. However, I haven't had a conversation with anyone I was in that room with. Kairi appears to have stayed away from any keeping in touch with everyone she was with that evening, and Prince Kohl is being... Okay, so... Kohler, Prince.I glanced in the direction of the front table. The Ladies of Queenstrial eat dinner with the Prince Kohl and his parents in their ornate chairs. The Ounsli girl, Bronte, is still here, albeit she is severely cut and bruised from her altercation with the Lunous girl. The Queenstrials' first round was declared void due to the assaults, and it was rescheduled for tomorrow. I believe the monarch is making a determined step to show the attackers, whoever they may be, that the spirit of Gahndor endures. However, I doubt they'll be able to maintain that pretense for very long,