Unlawful Shadows | +18

Chapter 19

Elowen's POV

The journey back to the estate was a blur of fear and helplessness. My body ached from the rough handling, and my mind raced with thoughts of what awaited me. The brothers' grip on me was unyielding, their expressions a mixture of anger and dark satisfaction. The forest seemed to mock my failed escape, each step back toward the mansion a reminder of my entrapment.

As we neared the estate, the oppressive walls loomed large, a stark contrast to the fleeting freedom I had tasted. Zander's hold on my arm tightened, a silent reminder of their control. The grand entrance of the mansion came into view, its intimidating presence casting long shadows in the moonlight.

"Welcome back, princess," Zephyr sneered, his voice dripping with condescension. "Did you enjoy your little fucking adventure?"

I said nothing, my throat dry and my heart pounding. I felt like a cornered animal, every instinct screaming at me to find a way out, but the reality of my situation crushed any hope.

Lysander opened the door, and they practically dragged me inside. The warmth of the mansion contrasted sharply with the cold fear that gripped me. The brothers exchanged a glance, a silent communication that spoke of plans and punishments.

"We need to have a little chat, Elowen," Lysander said, his voice dangerously calm. "A conversation about boundaries and fucking obedience."

I was led to a lavish sitting room, its opulence a stark reminder of the power they wielded. The brothers positioned themselves around me, a living barrier of intimidation. Zephyr leaned against the doorframe, his arms crossed and his eyes fixed on me with a predatory gleam. Zander stood to my right, his muscular form exuding raw strength, while Lysander took a seat directly in front of me, his gaze piercing.

"Do you have any idea how much fucking trouble you've caused?" Lysander began, his tone deceptively soft. "Running off like that, making us chase your ass through the damn forest. Do you enjoy playing these fucking games?"

I shook my head, my voice barely a whisper. "I-I just wanted to be free."

Zephyr scoffed, pushing off the doorframe and taking a step closer. "Free? From us? You must be out of your fucking mind."

Zander's hand gripped my shoulder, the pressure a physical manifestation of their dominance. "You belong to us, Elowen. There is no freedom for you outside these walls."

Tears welled in my eyes, the reality of their words sinking in. They were relentless, their obsession a prison from which there was no escape. I tried to find my voice, to reason with them, but the fear and exhaustion were too overwhelming.

Lysander leaned forward, his eyes locked onto mine. "We gave you everything, Elowen. We trusted you, made you a part of our world. And you repay us by running away? You have no fucking idea what you've done."

"I'm sorry," I choked out, my voice trembling. "I was scared. I didn't know what else to do."

Zephyr's laugh was cold and devoid of humor. "Scared? You should be fucking scared now, sweetheart. Because now, we have to teach you a lesson."

The atmosphere in the room shifted, the tension becoming almost palpable. I could feel the brothers' anger radiating off them in waves, their possessiveness a suffocating force. I knew they meant every word, that there would be no leniency.

"From now on," Zander said, his voice low and menacing, "you will learn to obey. No more running, no more bullshit. You are ours, Elowen. And we will make sure you fucking understand that."

Lysander stood, his movements slow and deliberate. "You will stay in this room until we decide otherwise. Consider it your punishment for disobedience. And it's going to be fucking brutal."