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“Wait.” Boraleashe clamped his hand on Theodor’s shoulder. “That’s no enemy.”
“Is that…?” Mozraath began, but Boraleashe finished his revelation.
“That is the Lord of the East Wind and the Titan of the Summer Suns of Tir Scáthanna.” Boraleashe spun on his heels and rushed toward the front of the Keep.
“He must be here for the ceremony.” Theodor smiled. “I’ve never met Zepharali Cavalerie, but I have heard stories of his strength and power.”
“That’s because three summer suns is one hell of a source to draw your power from.”
Theodor walked close to him, matching his long strides. “Still, it’s nice that he traveled all this way to see—”
“He’s not here for the ceremony, Theo.” Boraleashe clenched his jaw. “He’s here because there’s a problem in his realm, and he needs our help.”
“How do you know?”
“Because he came alone. Where are Dayne and Lyan to announce him? Zepharali would never travel for leisure and leave his men behind… unless it was urgent.”
The doors opened for them, and the moment he and Theodor cleared the frozen lawn, the ground shook hard enough to trigger an avalanche. Zepharali’s war stallion landed on all fours, the impact creating a heat wave so strong it could be felt for miles, the snow from the treetops melting around him like rain.
Notalus came around the corner with Dustin at his side, his husband’s eyes glowing yellow with his alpha wolf so close to the surface.
Boraleashe’s daughters ran ahead of their guards after ordering their distinguished guests to stay behind the Keep’s walls.
Boraleashe stood back, allowing Fire Breath to settle his massive hooves on the ground lest he wanted to get trampled.
“Greetings.” Zepharali beamed after he leapt down. His voice carried on a hot summer breeze that made it sound romantic and melodic.
“You always loved to make a damn entrance,” Notalus laughed while he gripped Zepharali in a tight, spine-crushing hug. “You look good, brother. Strong.”
“And marriage suits you well, old friend.”
Zepharali came toward them, and Boraleashe met him halfway. His war brother embraced him, and Boraleashe reached one arm around and pounded his fist a couple of times on Zepharali’s back, then pulled away.
“Word of your defeat of the Snow Moon has already spread far and wide, Boraleashe. Glory and honor be to you.” Zepharali turned his luminous gaze on Theodor. “And your king.”
“Yes, he will officially be my lord on eve’s moon. Have you come to interrupt that, brother? I see you are without gifts.”
“Boraleashe.” Theodor blinked at him as though he’d said something rude.
Zepharali waved Theodor off. “It’s quite all right, Your Highness. I take no offense. I see even in love, the Lord of Winter is still cold as ice.”
“It’s worked thus far… why change now?” Boraleashe shrugged, keeping his faint amusement from displaying on his face.
Zepharali slung his long blond dreadlocks over his shoulder. “I’m afraid my brother’s skepticism is warranted. That is why I am here.”
“Excuse me?” Theodor frowned.
“There is a darkness that has come to my Sun World. This entity is powerful and stealthy. More than any adversary I’ve faced in my battles. They’ve been able to blend into the shadows when the moon peaks, then disappear before my suns breathe on the sky.”
Boraleashe nodded. He and Zepharali had been through multiple lifetimes of war and camaraderie. Until this day, all four horsemen would answer the call of a brother.
“Is the darkness hostile?” Theodor asked, taking the question from Boraleashe’s mouth.
“Not hostile, at least not yet. But his presence has been felt by our high priestess, and my oracles see strife and death coming.” Zepharali’s long sword, Sun Strike, crackled with energy in his large, tattooed hand.
“Whatever or whomever this is, they have the ability to disappear and deflect my heat rays… which should be impossible.”
Boraleashe scoffed. “So you need my frost.”
“Precisely. I fear this thing may be from one of the shadow realms or a fire world.”
“We will return with you.” Theodor placed a supportive palm 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 at Theodor. “And know that 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 authority. “We leave before the sun rises.”
That happened to be mere hours away. Boraleashe didn’t have to tell Adresin to get him prepared to travel, and Mozraath was already leading Theodor’s court back to the Keep.
Notalus hugged his son. “I’m sorry about the postponement, Theodor. But you never know when a king’s duties will arise.”
