Warrior Love

Chapter 8

"Now seriously, what's going on?" Aether asked, his sharp gaze flitting between Dylan and Zephyr. The smugness faded slightly from his face, replaced by genuine curiosity.

Dylan crossed his arms and looked away, letting the waves crash against the shore in his stead. It was Zephyr who spoke first.

“Father,” Zephyr began, his voice steady but laced with tension. “He’s... displeased. More so than usual.”

Aether raised an eyebrow. “Displeased is his natural state, Zephyros. What did you do this time?”

“I called off the engagement,” Zephyr admitted, his tone calm but resolute.

Aether blinked, then let out a low whistle. “You canceled your betrothal to Lirae? I must say, that’s bold—even for you.” He smirked slightly, but his eyes searched Zephyr’s face for more. “Let me guess: our dear father erupted like Mount Parnassos?”

“He threatened more than thunder this time,” Dylan cut in, his voice bitter. “He’s blaming me, too. Apparently, my ‘rebellious streak’ set a precedent.”

Aether chuckled, though there was little humor in it. “So it’s your fault Zephyros is growing a spine? Typical Father logic.” He paused, then turned fully to Zephyr. “But seriously, why now? You’ve endured Lirae’s presence for decades. What changed?”

Zephyr hesitated, the image of emerald-green eyes and flowing dark hair flashing in his mind. The mortal girl’s sorrowful expression, her voice cracking as she whispered her pain to the stars—it had left an imprint deeper than he wanted to admit.

“I met someone,” he finally said, the words escaping in a quiet rush.

Aether’s eyebrows shot up. “A mortal?”

Zephyr nodded, and Dylan let out a low groan. “Here we go again.”

“I didn’t plan for this,” Zephyr said defensively, his calm exterior cracking slightly. “It just... happened. She was crying, and I heard her voice. I shouldn’t have gone down to the mortal realm, but I did. And now...” He trailed off, unsure how to explain the pull he felt toward her.

Aether tilted his head, his curiosity piqued. “You sound like Dylan six years ago.”

“And look where that got me,” Dylan muttered, though there was no real anger in his tone.

“You found happiness,” Zephyr countered, his voice firm. “You have Marlia and Triton. You fought for them.”

Dylan looked at him, a flicker of understanding crossing his face. “And you’re thinking of fighting for this mortal girl?”

Zephyr exhaled, running a hand through his golden hair. “I don’t know yet. All I know is... she’s different. And for the first time, I feel something—something real.”

Aether clapped his hands together, his grin returning. “Well, this just got interesting. Father’s going to have an aneurysm when he hears about this.”

Dylan shot him a glare. “This isn’t a joke, Aether. If Father finds out, he’ll do more than summon storms. You remember what happened last time.”

Aether sobered slightly, his smirk fading. “Yes, but this time we’re not dealing with some petty decree. If Zephyros feels this strongly, it means something. And you know how Father reacts when fate starts meddling in his plans.”

Zephyr frowned. “Fate? What do you mean?”

Aether shrugged, his golden eyes glinting with mischief. “Oh, just a hunch. You’ve always been the obedient one, Zephyros. If you’re breaking ranks now, there’s more at play here than just a pretty mortal face.”