Unlawful Shadows | +18

Chapter 25

Elowen's POV

I woke up in a strange mix of warmth and unease, my mind replaying the events of last night. Lysander's arms had felt like a protective cocoon, but now, alone in the quiet room, the memories of his touch left me feeling both safe and scared. I hesitated for a moment before slipping out of bed, my body still tingling from the closeness we had shared.

Deciding to explore the house and shake off the remnants of sleep, I quietly padded down the hallway. The mansion was eerily silent, the shadows stretching long in the early morning light. I found myself in the kitchen, the cool tiles beneath my feet a stark contrast to the warmth I had just left.

I rummaged through the cabinets, looking for something to eat, trying to keep my mind occupied. The last thing I needed was to dwell on the confusing emotions swirling inside me. Suddenly, I heard a soft creak behind me. I turned to find Zephyr standing in the doorway, his intense gaze locking onto mine.

"Good morning," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

Zephyr didn't respond immediately. He walked towards me, his movements slow and deliberate, like a predator stalking its prey. The air around us seemed to thicken, every step he took amplifying the tension.

"What are you doing up so early?" he finally asked, his voice low and rough.

"I couldn't sleep," I replied, my eyes darting away from his penetrating stare. "Just looking for something to eat."

He stopped a few feet away from me, his presence overwhelming. "Is that all?" he asked, a dangerous edge to his tone.

I swallowed hard, my heart pounding in my chest. "Yes, that's all."

Zephyr's eyes narrowed, and he took another step closer. "You were quite loud last night," he said, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Do you know how hard it was to listen to you?"

My breath hitched, the memory of last night flooding back. "I... I didn't mean to..."

"Didn't mean to what?" he interrupted, his eyes darkening with something I couldn't quite place. "Didn't mean to drive me insane with those sounds? Do you have any idea what it did to me, Elowen?"

His words sent a shiver down my spine. I took a step back, but Zephyr was quicker, closing the distance between us. He grabbed my wrist, pulling me towards him. I could feel the heat radiating off his body, his grip firm and unyielding.

"Zephyr, please," I whispered, my voice trembling.

"Please what?" he asked, his breath hot against my ear. "I barely stopped myself from losing control and barging in to claim you right then and there, and it's driving me fucking crazy."

I shook my head, trying to find the right words. "I didn't mean to..."

"Didn't mean to what?" he repeated, his grip tightening. "Didn't mean to make me want you? Didn't mean to make me crave you?"

His words left me speechless. I could feel the raw intensity of his desire, the barely contained rage. It was both terrifying and intoxicating.

"Zephyr, I..." I started, but he cut me off with a rough kiss, his lips crushing against mine.

I gasped, the suddenness of his action taking my breath away. He didn't give me a chance to react, his hands moving to my waist, pulling me even closer. The hardness I felt against my hips was unmistakable, and a mixture of fear and excitement coursed through me.

"You're driving me crazy, Elowen," he growled, his lips trailing down to my neck. "Do you know that?"

I couldn't form a coherent thought, his touch overwhelming my senses. I squirmed in his grasp, trying to push him away, but it only seemed to fuel his desire.