Page 17 of Zepharali: Lord of the East Winds (Lords of the Wind Book 3)
Zepharali
Zepharali was on his knees in the village cathedral, praying to the goddess of love, passion, and sexuality for answering his pleas for true love. For a partner who would never leave and abandon him for another.
His head was bowed and his eyes closed when he felt a spiritual presence behind him. He didn’t turn around, already knowing who it was.
“Why are you here and not with your blessing?”
Zepharali sighed. “Yes, he’s been sent…but I’m praying to keep him.”
“Have faith in your winds, my lord.”
“I always have, and I’ve always ended up alone.”
His oracle touched him on his cheek, sending a hint of confidence to his core.
“Lord. Rise off your knees and go to your beloved. He eagerly awaits you.”
“I’m afraid,” he confessed to the only person he’d trust to keep that admission a secret.
“I know your heart is like no other. Yearning to be nourished.”
“I’ve given all of myself that I can, with no return.” Zepharali got to his feet.
His oracle was over a thousand years old and had come to him when he’d needed guidance the most.
The gods were always caring for him, but not in the way he’d prayed for.
“Your beloved will need you in a way that none of your other lovers have, my lord.” She sat in one of the pews, the bottom of her long white robe lying in a pool of fabric at her feet. “He is young and naive in the ways of the world and is unprepared for what he is to become.”
Zepharali knew that loving the first tribrid—from the dark world—wouldn’t be easy, but he was a titan and always relished a challenge.
“He indeed has darkness, lord.” The oracle placed a wrinkled hand on his thigh when he sat beside her. “But your loving heart and light can outshine any darkness from any world.”
Zepharali already felt such intense affection for Lazaar. This time, he may not survive if his wind blew him into the arms of another.
“He will not leave you, lord. Of this, I am certain.” She gave him a soft smile. “A vampire would not survive leaving their destined beloved. Once he drinks from you, he’ll never desire the blood of another.”
“How do I protect him?”
“When the time comes, my lord, you will not have to.”
Zepharali didn’t notice his seer enter until she spoke. Her eyes were dark yellow, the pupils so small they weren’t visible.
“The tribrid will be whole and at the height of his powers when true darkness comes for him.”
Dread slithered through Zepharali, trying to create doubt in his mind…and heart.
“It will not be long before the prince ascends to greatness.”
His seer said it so low he could barely hear her professed vision.
“Go to him,” the oracle instructed. “Give him your winds. Nourish and feed his soul with the light in your core, lord. Trust in your fate. Trust the will of the gods.”
Zepharali’s guards fell into formation behind him when he left the cathedral.
He was silent for a long moment as he walked down the quiet streets toward his palace. Zepharali was deep in thought, but he could hear his daughters’ minds spinning harder.
“Speak as my daughters, not my legion.”
“Don’t we always,” his eldest chuckled.
Zepharali pfft’d, waiting for the next one to speak up.
“Do you like him?”
“I do, Dorema. He’s the most unique being I’ve ever encountered.” He smiled.
“He must be something special if he was granted a phoenix and a sentinel for protection.” Dipsa nodded, her bright eyes never failing to brighten his mood. “He’s a keeper, I can tell. Did you notice how he looked at you, Father? All of us were in there, but he didn’t spare us a second glance.”
“And if I may say so, we’re quite stunning.” Dorema brushed imaginary dust off her gold shoulder pauldrons. “But he couldn’t have cared less.”
“By the gods, he’s a tribrid! Three of the most powerful entities. Can you imagine his abilities? He’s spectacular, Father, and worthy of your wind.”
“I knew you would think so, dearest.” Zepharali put his arm around her and kissed her temple. “That’s why I named you Thambaa. You are a true amazement. Wonder was in your beautiful eyes the moment you opened them.”
“Move, BaaBaa. You’re always trying to hog Father’s affection,” Genesia complained, easing under his other arm.
“You know I have more than enough love for each of you.” He shook his head, pulling her close.
“Can we please maintain a semblance of formation?” Dorema commanded, eyeing them.
His eldest took his safety and her role as Captain Commandant seriously.
“If danger arises, we’d be at an immediate disadvantage.”
“We’re in the middle of the main square in the lauds of eve. What danger?” Genesia rolled her eyes but still complied with the order.
Zepharali raised his hand before they started their usual bickering.
“I would like to walk the rest of the way alone.”
“But, but…I want to know if you’re eager for his bite. I hear vampires have insatiable appetites.” Thambaa bounced in her boots. “It’s gonna feel amazing.”
If only he could describe to them how eager he was. He was so excited that he fought not to fly the rest of the way to his palace.
“Gah! Have some class, BaaBaa, and do what your lord has asked. Let him have peace.”
He kissed his eldest first and then the others before they went silent and fell back several feet to give him some privacy.