Unlawful Shadows | +18

Chapter 10

Elowen's POV

The pre-dawn darkness enveloped my surroundings as I prepared for the day ahead. I glanced outside, the city still asleep under a blanket of night. Despite the early hour, a sense of anticipation stirred within me, a newfound motivation that fueled my every action. Adjusting the sleek lines of my blazer dress in the mirror, I couldn't help but promise myself that this was the beginning of a brighter chapter in my life.

You know you've worked really hard, and finally things seem to be going well. You've got this, Elowen.

The soft chime of a notification pulled me from my thoughts, as I moved to check my phone. The driver had arrived. With one last glance in the mirror, ensuring my appearance matched the professionalism expected, I slipped into my black heels, grabbed my bag, and made my way downstairs.

There, a distinguished older man awaited, standing beside an impeccably polished car. I offered an apologetic smile for keeping him waiting, "I'm so sorry you had to wait."

"No problem at all, Miss Nocturne." He held the car door open for me, and as I sank into the plush seat, the warmth inside offered a stark contrast to the chilly morning air.

The driver, a man of few words, settled into the driver's seat, before turning and looking at me.

"The brothers are currently residing in their home outside the city, so it'll take around 45 minutes to reach. Please make yourself comfortable."

"That's alright! Thanks for letting me know."

Pulling out my brand-new laptop, I took a moment to appreciate the sleek design, before opening the calendar I had worked on all evening yesterday. Methodically, I cross-referenced every entry with the schedule Mr. Thornhill handed me the day before. I'd rather spend my time checking it thrice or even four times than making a mistake. Satisfied, I started looking at their individual schedule for the day, memorising it.

Zander has a meeting with the CEO and COO of Operant at 12:30pm but he's going to be going to their lab at 10:00am. Zephyr has to go to court at 9:00am, after which he has to go meet with a client at 1:00pm. Lysander will be in the office all day today.

I sighed, looking over their schedule over the next three days. Well, at least they have the weekend off. I can't imagine how challenging and taxing it is to be working such long hours, seven days a week.

You should strive to work like them. There's nothing more admirable than being dedicated to your work.

After taking one last look at their calendar, I pulled open their emails, sorting through them and tagging the important ones. 'How is it possible to get so many emails?' I muttered, as I looked at the flooded inbox.

Well, I better start replying.

___

"We're almost here, Ms. Nocturne."

I peered out of the tinted windows, puzzled by the lush surroundings-trees standing tall, forming a natural barrier of seclusion.

What in the world?

I squinted my eyes, trying to see what the driver saw among these trees. 'What does he mean by we're almost here? All I can see are trees as far as my eyesight goes,' I thought as I looked around forest we were in. However, my thoughts were interrupted as I saw the flicker of light we were approaching.

Straining to get a clearer view, I could make out colossal gates emerging in the distance. I looked at the gates in disbelief, as they got larger and larger as we approached them.