Page 44 of Zepharali: Lord of the East Winds (Lords of the Wind Book 3)

Zepharali

Zepharali waited for Lazaar’s impressive flames to extinguish.

To say he was scary and intimidating in his full tribrid form would be a gross understatement.

He’d encountered and fought a lot of vicious creatures, even demigods, but none could top the dark lord of three powers.

“My treasure.” Zepharali put his arms and cloak over Lazaar’s shoulders.

He was still hot, steam rising from his reddened skin. But the darkness had receded and he could feel Lazaar calling out for him, tugging at his heart.

“Come back to me,” Zepharali whispered, his lips caressing Lazaar’s earlobe. “I love you. Come back.”

After several minutes of coaxing, Lazaar blinked his eyes open, and Zepharali was relieved to see his irises were the beautiful, shiny onyx he’d fallen in love with.

“Lazaar,” he murmured, kissing his smooth cheek.

“I’m here, beloved.”

Zepharali shuddered, glad Lazaar’s voice was no longer speaking in a demonic language, nor his voice as terrifying.

He hugged him tighter, stroking his long black hair.

“You were beautiful and so strong.” He nuzzled his temple. His words were slow and soothing. “I’m proud of you… We all are.”

No one was cheering and whooping or running up to slap Lazaar on his back for a job well done.

He glanced over his shoulder as if he’d just noticed the many titans, titanesses, and amazons standing in silent astonishment at his greatness.

The dead souls, decapitated and not, had fallen and turned to dust with the death of their maker.

Zepharali hoped they had followed her to the Underworld, where they belonged.

“I’m so glad you and your brothers are safe.”

“Thanks to you.”

Lazaar buried his face against his throat and inhaled, and Zepharali delighted in the feel of the gentle lick across his jugular.

Not caring about the audience, Zepharali moaned and squeezed his love tighter.

I’m so tired, my lord…and thirsty.

I know…I can feel it.

Take me home, please.

Without warning, Zepharali shot into the sky and flew them toward his palace.

He’d make sure Lazaar was cared for in every way he knew how.