Total pages in book: 136
Estimated words: 128087 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 640(@200wpm)___ 512(@250wpm)___ 427(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 128087 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 640(@200wpm)___ 512(@250wpm)___ 427(@300wpm)
Lazaar was frustrated. “Then what is?”
“Boraleashe is known for his heart of ice. He commands and fights with little compassion, if any. Surely, he’ll come with his frost, and there will be no amount of heat inside you before you ascend to your full tribrid powers that can defend against it.”
“If you wish to fret, then go ahead, but I’m confident Myst will protect me. She always has.”
“Did you hear me, lord? No amount of heat—not even a phoenix—can withstand the temperatures Lord Boraleashe can create.”
That got his attention.
“Then I’ve decided to return to the Earth Realm, to Chessuven, where I belong.”
Oleksandr pinched the bridge of his sharp nose. “My dear lord, I’ve listened to each of your suggestions, and as I’ve already stated, not one of them is feasible.”
“Chessuven is gone—the Mother collapsed it. I told you, your people were all sent from the same realm as me as your protectors.” Oleksandr appeared saddened. “Just know that they’re all safe and back in the realm where they belong. And they’re happy, being celebrated, and receiving glory for aiding in your miraculous escape.”
“That’s a relief.” He sighed. “Then I will go back to the—”
“No, no, no. You can’t go to the Vampire King nor to his Lord High, Belleron, for their help to control your vampire. Mother Earth will not rebuild Chessuven or allow you back because your mother will only sense you and attack again.”
“But, Olek, what about my mother? She must feel something for me besides hatred if—”
“Your mother will never listen to reason. She wants your tribrid powers and nothing more. It’s the only reason she gave birth to you.”
“But—”
“And before you go on, I already told you it’s too dangerous to allow you into your fathers’ worlds. It’s why they risked everything to plead to the angels for protection and sent you to Earth.” His guardian shook his head sadly. “It broke their hearts to send you away.”
“All right then.” Lazaar frowned. “I’ll ask—”
Oleksandr threw his hands up. “And by the gods, no to that too. I will not allow Wrath to end your life. Lazaar, you are too kind and beautiful to even think that.”
“I’m tired, Ollie. Tired of living like a frightened child.”
Oleksandr knelt on one knee. “Then let’s show them who you are and what you’re going to be. Show them your unparalleled powers will be used for good and never evil.” His guardian gripped his shoulders. “You must embrace your vampire and allow it to accept its beloved’s heart. It’s the only way.”
“Maybe I would’ve accepted it long ago if you and the other masters of destiny would’ve been honest from the start.”
The thought of feasting on the blood of a human, even a titan, was the most unappealing act he’d ever heard of, and so was bonding.
If Lazaar had been allowed to choose a life partner, it wouldn’t be one so experienced.
The Lord of Summer already had a number of admirers, bedwarmers, and hundreds of daughters. He didn’t need him.
“Olek, the last thing a virile titan like Zepharali wants is a partner who’s lived a pitifully sheltered life, who knows the science of intercourse but has never engaged in it.”
His guardian stared across the vast land toward Zepharali’s castle.
“Yes, the titan has had many lovers.” Oleksandr gazed back at him with the fondness of a proud parent. “But not one has earned his truest heart. Why do you think that is?”
“He’s either too selective or unwilling to commit.”
“No, Prince. Zepharali’s wind brings forth passion and the blossom of new love.”
“Of course it does.” He rolled his eyes.
“I believe it’s because he’s reserving it for someone deserving of its magnificence. Someone rare and precious.”
Oleksandr walked back to him and pulled Lazaar to his feet. “Stand and hold your head high, my prince. Because there is no one in all the worlds or realms more precious than the firstborn tribrid.”
Lazaar had no further words or energy to combat that reasoning.
“Please trust me as your guardian and believe I have a solid plan.”
He allowed Oleksandr to lay him on the lush grass and urge him to rest.
The gently flowing water in the valley at the base of the mountain murmured a gentle melody that made Lazaar drift into a peaceful slumber.
Zepharali
Tir Scáthanna ~ Peaks of Kipmis Mountain
Zepharali, Boraleashe, and Theodor landed together in a clearing outside the last place Zepharali’s waves had been deflected.
Boraleashe was the first to start in on his world—he hadn’t expected anything less.
“By all the hellhounds in Hades, Zeph! You should’ve warned me!”
Zepharali rolled his eyes. Boraleashe was always the most dramatic of his brothers.
“No one told you to wear a damn white fur cloak. You knew where we were going.”
The Scáthanna suns beat down relentlessly, heating Zepharali’s skin in the best way. The blazing winds were so powerful that the shimmering mirages distorted the views of the villages at the foot of the mountain.