In the Shadows~zayn au~Completed ✅EDITING

~Chapter 54: Drowning or Flying~

Yes. I realize it has been more than TWO WEEKS since I last updated and I know I'm a terrible person for doing it to you!! Terrible terrible terrible terrible. However, this is the equivalent of about two updates so does that make it better? Eh? Maybe????? Also, 80s music is really conducive to my writing so you have Def Lepperd, Foreigner, Bon Jovi, Bananarama, and Heart to thank.

There's a bit of it all in here, Zayn's POV (YOU'RE WELCOME), Zaylysta/Zalysta interactions (hence the picture, eh), and then some foreshadowing too. Woo hoo!!

Kalysta got dressed again, going through the motions of putting on the infernal wrap. However, Louis did not return as they thought, so they went to find him. Zayn was correct in one prediction, though, as they found Louis trying to explain the situation to an inconsolable daughter. They were in a large room with a single bed and walls that were decorated with bright tapestries, exactly what Kalysta assumed would be in a child's room.

"Elise, I have to go!" Louis said for what had to be the hundredth time. The girl's reply was another wail.

Kalysta felt bad, wondering what this poor girl went through every time her father left.

"I thought we had fun playing!" Elise sobbed. "Did you not have enough fun? Is that why you're leaving so soon?"

"Oh, child, I had more than enough fun," Louis sighed. "That's not the only thing I have to consider, though. You know that we all have things we have to do, even if we don't wish to."

The girl nodded and sniffed. "It's simply not fair."

"I agree, but that's the way life is." Louis gave her another hug before she turned to Kalysta and Zayn.

"You'll take care of him, promise?"

"Of course, Princess," Kalysta said. "I'll keep him locked up in a box and then I'll deliver him safely back to you."

Elise laughed and shook her head. "You don't have to do that. Just keep him from getting into trouble."

"I'll do my best."

"And I will as well," Zayn added.

At that moment, Everett stepped into the room. He took one look at Elise's teary face and frowned. "You're leaving again, aren't you?" he asked, voice calm.

"Yes, Everett, I'm sorry," Louis sighed. "I have to go, but I'll be back soon."

"It's fine," the boy shrugged. "You're always leaving anyway." His manner was indifferent, but his shoulders slumped and Kalysta's heart went out to him. No matter how much the boy pretended to be apathetic, or showed his father anger, he held a hurt that indicated a boy that was trying desperately not to need his father.

"It won't be like this forever." Louis' voice was pained as he walked over to hug his son. "I'll come back for good here soon."

Everett simply nodded once more, quickly hugged Louis, and then fled back out the door.

Elise moved to hug Zayn and then came to Kalysta.

"Lady Lyra, I've enjoyed meeting you," she said formally. Her hug was not so impersonal, though. She squeezed Kalysta with surprising strength. "Please come back with the Ambassador," she pleaded.

"I'll do what I can." Kalysta hoped she would get the chance, but couldn't be sure.

Finishing their farewells, they went to see Liam one more time.

"I've sent one of my men to give supplies to Mahir," Liam said when they joined him in the meeting hall. "He's at The Lazy Badger."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Zayn said, bowing.