Unlawful Shadows | +18

Chapter 38

Elowen's POV

I blinked awake, disoriented and groggy, the shadows of the room wrapping around me like a comforting blanket. The faint glow from the city outside spilled into the penthouse, casting soft light on the walls. My heart raced slightly, still caught in the remnants of sleep, when I heard the low murmur of Zephyr's voice cutting through the silence.

I strained to listen, but the words were muffled, the conversation seemingly urgent. A sense of unease prickled at the back of my mind, but I fought to push it away, willing myself to slip back into slumber. Just as I was about to succumb, I heard Zephyr's voice rise slightly, sharper now.

"Just handle it. I'll be there as soon as I can," he said, the edge in his tone causing a flutter of worry in my stomach.

The call ended, and I watched as Zephyr walked into the dim light of the room. He looked intense, his features taut with focus and determination, the air around him heavy with urgency.

"Hey," he said, his voice low and soothing, but I could sense the tension in it. He moved closer, brushing a lock of hair from my face, his touch sending a warm shiver down my spine. "I need to talk to you for a second."

"What's going on?" I mumbled, my voice thick with sleep as I struggled to push myself up into a sitting position. "Where are you going?"

Zephyr's expression was serious. "I have to leave for a bit. Something's come up, and it's important."

Panic flickered in my chest as I stared up at him. "But—"

"Shh," he interrupted, placing a finger gently to my lips, silencing me. "You need to stay here. Just go back to bed. I promise I'll be back soon." His eyes softened, filled with a mix of affection and intensity that sent my heart racing. "You're safe, Elowen. Just trust me."

Before I could respond, the door swung open, and Lysander stepped inside, looking like he had just rolled out of bed, his hair tousled and his eyes still heavy with sleep. There was a seriousness to his demeanor, though, as he glanced between us.

"I'm here," he said, his voice steady. "I'll stay with her tonight."

Zephyr nodded, still focused on me, his gaze lingering. "You'll be okay with him, right? Just behave for him. Don't do anything reckless."

"Zephyr..." I started, wanting to protest, but he cut me off.

"Just trust me." He leaned down, capturing my lips in a quick, firm kiss that made my heart flutter. "I'll be back."

With that, he stepped away, and I felt an empty space where he had just been. As he turned to leave, the weight of his presence lingered, making my heart feel heavier than before.

"Wait, what's happening?" I called after him, my voice laced with worry, but he paused at the door, glancing back with an unreadable expression.

"Just some business, Elowen. You don't need to worry about it." And with that, he was gone, leaving a swirl of uncertainty in the air.

Lysander walked over, his expression calm yet focused, and without a word, he slipped under the covers beside me. He groaned softly as he pulled me closer, his warmth wrapping around me like a protective cocoon. Instinctively, I snuggled into him, feeling the tension in my body start to ease.

"I don't like this," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. "I don't like him leaving like this."

"He'll be fine," Lysander murmured, his voice a soothing balm against my worries. "You should try to get some sleep."

I nodded slowly, still feeling the unease in my gut. The room felt quieter now, almost too still without Zephyr's presence. I let out a soft sigh, the worry swirling in my mind as I nestled deeper into Lysander's side, comforted by his warmth.