Page 1 of Zepharali: Lord of the East Winds (Lords of the Wind Book 3)

Zepharali

Tír an Amárach, Boraleashe Cavalerie,

Titan and Ruler of the Arctic World

Lord of the North Wind Creator of the First Frost

It took Zepharali a full day to reach the Arctic World from his Land of Three Suns.

Only his war stallion, Fire Breath, could travel as fast as he’d needed. If he’d had to wait on his court or staff, it would’ve taken him twice as long, and unfortunately, he didn’t have that luxury.

The alarming intrusion in his world couldn’t have come at a worse time to barge in on his brothers.

Zepharali had gotten wind that Boraleashe had conquered the curse of the Moon God on his soul and given his heart to the new Titan and King of the Autumn wind, Notalus’ heir, Theodor Cavalerie, the gods’ Treasure of the Realms.

Regardless of the timing, he was positive his icy brother would receive and aid him.

Fire Breath pushed hard enough to explode through Amárach’s protective atmosphere in a cloud of white smoke. His flash of sunlight was bold enough that it couldn’t be mistaken or ignored that the Titan of the Summer Suns was approaching.

On his descent, the doors to the glass Mirador Keep were pulled open by Boraleashe’s gate lords. Theodor Cavalerie was the first to emerge, leading Boraleashe across the frozen lawn.

Zepharali’s landing made the ground shake hard enough to trigger an avalanche. His stallion’s impact created a heat wave so intense the snow melted from the treetops like rain.

He was surprised to see Notalus come around the corner with his alpha husband, Dustin, at his side.

“Greetings.” Zepharali grinned after he leapt down. Regardless of the dire circumstances, he was excited to see his brothers.

“You always loved to make a damn entrance.” Notalus laughed while he gripped Zepharali in a spine-crushing hug. “You look good, brother. Strong.”

“And marriage suits you well, old friend.”

Zepharali continued forward, and Boraleashe met him halfway. His war brother embraced him, wrapping one arm around him and pounding his fist on his back.

“Word of your defeat of the Snow Moon has spread far and wide, brother. Glory and honor be to you.” Zepharali turned his gaze on Theodor Cavaliere. “And your king.”

The Treasure of the Gods did not disappoint. Gossip was right about one thing. The new Titan of the South was as gorgeous and striking as had been stated, with his long chestnut waves and oversized emerald robe infused with angelic magic that prevented it from dragging over the ground.

“Yes, he will officially be my lord at eve’s moon. Have you come to interrupt that, brother? I see you are without gifts.”

Zepharali smirked.

“Boraleashe.” Theodor blinked at his consort as though he’d said something rude.

Zepharali waved Theodor off. “It’s quite all right, Your Highness. I take no offense. I see that, even in love, the Lord of Winter is still cold as ice.”

“It’s worked thus far… Why change now?” Boraleashe shrugged.

Zepharali slung his long blond dreadlocks over his shoulder and pulled his robe tighter to combat the frigid winds.

“I’m afraid my brother’s skepticism is warranted. That is why I’m here.” Zepharali knew they could see the worry in his expression.

“A darkness has come to my Sun World. This entity is powerful and stealthy.”

Zepharali relayed as many details as possible, but he had little information except… “It’s stronger than any adversary I’ve—we—have faced in battle. They’ve been able to blend into the shadows at dusk, then disappear before my suns breathe on the sky.”

Boraleashe nodded.

“Is the darkness hostile?” Theodor asked.

“Not hostile, at least not yet, Your Highness. But its presence has been felt by our high priestess, and my oracles see strife and death coming.”

Zepharali’s sword, Sun Strike, crackled with energy, responding to his distress.

“Whatever or whomever this is, they have the ability to deflect my heat rays…which should be impossible.”

Boraleashe hummed in thought. “So you need my frost.”

“Precisely. I fear this thing may be from one of the dark realms, possibly even royalty.”

“We will return with you.” Theodor placed his large hand at the base of Boraleashe’s spine.

“And so will I,” Notalus added.

“I think I can manage with Boraleashe and his king’s assistance.” Zepharali clasped Notalus’ shoulder. “Continue to enjoy your calmer days, brother. Your son is a capable king and powerful enough to fulfill his duties as the Titan of the South Wind.”

“That he is.” Notalus smiled proudly at his son. “And know I am only a breath away if you need me.”

“I am most regretful of the timing, lords, but my people are afraid. A curfew has been put in place—much to everyone’s dismay—to ensure their safety.”

“Nothing else needs to be said,” Boraleashe stated with certainty. “We leave before the sun rises.”

That was within hours.

Notalus hugged his son. “I’m sorry about the postponement of your vows, Theodor. But you never know when a king’s duties will arise.”

“Thank you, Father. But the ceremony was just a formality. The Winter Lord is already mine.”

Boraleashe pulled Theodor to the side, and Zepharali led Fire Breath toward the Keep’s stables to give his brother some privacy.