Elowen's POV

Midway through my internship at Tenebris & Associates, the high-powered law firm nestled among the towering giants of the city, each day felt like a step deeper into the monotony of my daily life. The allure of polished suits and the echo of heels against marble floors had become the rhythm of my routine.

As the sun painted the sky with hues of dawn, I stood before the mirror, adjusting the collar of my blouse and smoothing the edges of my pencil skirt. Each meticulous movement felt like a ritual, a preparation to step into the cutthroat world awaiting me.

Gazing into the mirror, I carefully pinned back my hair, preparing for the day that awaited me at Tenebris & Associates. The reputation of the firm was not just remarkable-it was infamous, and rightfully so. Regarded as the pinnacle of legal prowess in the country, working here was a dream coveted by many, and, my reality.

As I slipped into my heels, the memory of the five grueling rounds of interviews lingered. 'And I'm not even a legal intern,' I shuddered, remembering the unsettling feeling of clammy palms and the weight of anticipation that accompanied me throughout those sessions. Considering the challenges I faced, I couldn't help but wonder about the Herculean tasks awaiting the associates.

'Maybe I should stop complaining about sorting case files and printing documents', I mused as I locked my door and started my journey to another taxing day of paper cuts and hours lost in the file room. 'There's people who have it even worse, Elowen. Get yourself together', I thought, thinking about the legal interns who had to deal with the demanding associates.

The city buzzed with life as I navigated the streets towards my daily prison. Yes, I call it that. Maybe a little dramatic but that's precisely what it feels like. Hours in the file room, breathing in the musty air, sifting through endless case files. My thoughts, however, are abruptly halted as I tuned into the conversation behind me.

"The boy killed his entire family, not even sparing his sister, and he got away with it," exclaimed an angry voice behind me. Ah, the Hawthorne case, I immediately realised, remembering the hushed whispers during work discussing Mr. Tenebris' latest trial. 'It's no surprise he won, despite all the incriminating evidence,' I thought as another voice joined in.

"Zephyr is as much a monster as that boy is," the man fumed. "Does he not have a conscience, freeing a person like that and allowing him to live in the world with the rest of us?" he added, his anger palpable.

My thoughts were now consumed by the enigmatic trio - Zephyr, Lysander, and Zander Tenebris. The mere mention of their names invoked a hushed reverence in the legal realm. The Tenebris brothers were a legendary force in the legal world, their brilliance matched only by the air of mystery that surrounded them. Having founded Tenebris & Associates from the ground up, with years of hard work, the firm is revered around the country, and is the dream of any and every aspiring attorney.

However, as famous as the men were, they were also as elusive. I had never seen them in person, their presence felt only through the hum of efficiency and the unspoken power that resonated within the firm's walls. 'I haven't crossed paths with them after almost three weeks of working here,' I pondered as the building came into view. 'Well, there's no reason for me to cross paths with them either. The only reason that would happen was if I did something extraordinary, which isn't likely to happen,' I thought, thinking back to the file room. 'Or if I massively screw up,' I realised, shuddering at the thought of facing their wrath.

'I haven't met them, and I would like to keep it that way,' I concluded. Just another nine weeks and I'll be done. Satisfied by the thought of seeing 'Tenebris & Associates' on my resume, I quickened my pace as I neared the building.

My heart quickened with each step closer to the gleaming entrance of the firm. This was a place where justice was not just served; it was sculpted, molded, and wielded as a weapon. The brothers were not just lawyers; they were architects of fate, shaping destinies with the stroke of a pen and the resonance of a gavel.

Entering the lobby, I marveled at the sleek design and the undercurrent of ambition that permeated the air. The receptionist acknowledged me with a nod and I nodded and smiled back. 'Well, at least someone's friendly here,' I thought, recalling my strict supervisor and the uptight associates. 'Maybe, with responsibility, also comes being an asshole,' I mused and let out a giggle, stepping into the elevator.

In the elevator, my reflection stared back from the polished walls-a mix of excitement and trepidation mirrored in my eyes. The ascent to the upper floors felt like a journey into the unknown, a path lined with secrets waiting to be unraveled.

'You've got this, Elowen. Another day to conquer and another day closer to getting your degree,' I thought, looking at myself in the mirror and masking my expressions. 'Apparently, being anything other than a robot is a cardinal sin,' I thought, thinking back to how Mrs. Simmons threatened to fire me for merely smiling at one of the associates. 'God forbid, anybody here be happy,' I muttered as I rolled my eyes, thinking of Mrs. Simmons. My supervisor, who was also supposed to be my mentor, was anything but that.

Exiting the elevator, I navigated the familiar path to Mrs. Simmons's office. "Come in," said a nasally voice after I knocked. She looked at me and beckoned me closer. The moment my supervisor, Mrs. Simmons, shoved a file into my hands with a disdainful glance, I knew my day was about to take a treacherous turn. "Make copies of this, Elowen, and deliver it to Mr. Tenebris's office. Pronto. Don't mess this up," she barked, the words laced with a tone that could freeze hell over.

"Yes, ma'am," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. As I turned away, I caught a sly smirk forming on her lips. It was evident; she enjoyed the discomfort she instilled in the interns. As I walked out, I suddenly stilled. 'Did she say Mr. Tenebris?,' I froze, finally registering her words. My hands shook as I looked down at the file. "Well, get to it. What are you waiting for, Ms. Nocturne?" she said, as I looked back to see her watching me.

Clutching the file like it held the secrets to the universe, I scurried to the copy room. The whirring of the photocopier seemed louder than ever as I clumsily made the copies, my hands betraying my nervous tension. 'Fuck, did I jinx it?' I muttered, thinking about how desperate I was to avoid a run-in with any of the brothers. 'Don't be daft, Elowen. All you have to do is turn in a file. They'll barely notice your presence,' I reassured myself, watching the printer do its magic.

Every sheet that slid out felt like a ticking bomb, a reminder that my uneventful internship was about to collide with the enigma that was Mr. Tenebris. I stole glances at the clock, each second ticking away like a countdown to impending doom.

'Wait, there are three of them,' I realized, glancing at the clock. 'Which one needs the file?' Panic settled in at the thought of giving it to the wrong brother and potentially causing a delay in their work. 'Operant Legal Battle Dossier,' I read quickly, scanning the file. 'Zander,' I immediately realized, recalling the news from a few days ago. A big-name pharmaceutical company was being sued for product liability. The chances of them winning this lawsuit looked very bleak. 'Well, that was before they got Mr. Tenebris on board,' I thought as the whirring of the machine stopped.

Taking a shaky breath, I cradled the copies against my chest, preparing for the inevitable journey into the lion's den. Mr. Tenebris' office was on the last floor of the building. Making my way into the elevator, I pressed the button for the 58th floor. I looked back at myself, as the doors of the elevator closed. 'There's no need to be nervous about a bunch of files, Elowen. All you're doing is giving it to him. Don't be ridiculous. You're an intern, and absolutely insignificant to him. He probably won't even look at you,' I thought, trying to reassure myself.

Exiting the elevator, I faced the man stationed near the entrance. Offering a friendly smile, I spoke with a cool and professional tone that belied the whirlwind of nerves within. "Good morning. I'm here to deliver these files about Operant to Mr. Tenebris. I was sent by Mrs. Simmons," I stated, grateful for his amiable response. "Of course, his office is just down the hall, third door to the left," he replied, his smile providing a momentary reassurance. With newfound determination, I traversed the corridor toward the looming entrance of Mr. Tenebris' office.

Knocking gently, I heard a stern 'Come in.' Zander's voice cut through the air like raw silk, unapologetically rough and lacking the polish of diplomacy. Each word he uttered was a direct expression of his unfiltered thoughts, a gravelly cadence that left no room for ambiguity. His tone carried the weight of someone accustomed to getting straight to the point, unburdened by unnecessary pleasantries. Despite its unrefined nature, there was an oddly magnetic quality to his voice-an attractive ruggedness that demanded attention, leaving an indelible imprint on the ears of those who dared to listen.

My trembling hand pushed the door open, revealing an impeccably organized office, floor-to-ceiling windows framing the sprawling city below. My eyes briefly wandered, captivated by the view, before refocusing on the centre of the room. Behind a colossal desk, Mr. Tenebris engrossed himself in paperwork. His sharp features and piercing gaze conveyed a man uninterested in distractions. 'Everyone was preoccupied with his legal brilliance, always failing to mention how beautiful this man was,' I mused as I entered.

Zander Tenebris, a man whose physical presence radiated power and strength, sat with an air of casual authority. Though he was currently seated, the contours of his tall and robust frame were evident, straining against the perfectly tailored suit that clung to every muscle.

His height, emphasized by the well-fitted suit, projected a sense of dominance. The jacket's broad shoulders and the trousers that hung just right highlighted the athletic build beneath. Despite the sharp lines of the suit, there was a ruggedness to him-a subtle reminder that beneath the polished exterior lay a man not easily tamed.

Even seated, his posture exuded confidence, a silent assertion of control over the room. I couldn't help but feel the tangible force of his presence, a magnetic pull that demanded attention. It was a paradox of refinement and raw strength, leaving me acutely aware of the captivating allure that surrounded Zander Tenebris.

"Mr. Tenebris, I have the copies you requested," I stammered, extending the files towards him.

He glanced up, his eyes narrowing at the interruption. "Leave them on the desk and close the door behind you," he instructed, his tone devoid of any warmth. My heart raced as I obeyed. I walked closer to the desk and placed down the files. His focus remained on the paperwork, sparing me not even a passing glance. "Have a great day," I said, the words sounding more like a whispered farewell as I turned to leave.

The door clicked shut, leaving me alone in the corridor with the echoes of his stern voice lingering in my ears. I let out a relieved sigh. 'Well, that wasn't so hard,' I thought, allowing a small smile to grace my lips as I retraced my steps back to the elevator. Glancing back at the man near the entrance, I caught his friendly smile directed at me. I returned the gesture before stepping into the elevator.

As the doors closed, my reflection stared back at me. I sighed, thoughts drifting to Mrs. Simmons. 'Can't wait to go back home,' I mused, eager to escape the clutches of that devil of a woman.

Walking back to her office, I suddenly hear her shrill voice scream, "Elowen, get in here. NOW." Her demand echoed down the hallway, attracting the curious glances of passing associates.

I hesitated, dread settling in the pit of my stomach. With reluctant steps, I retraced my path back to her office, where a self-satisfied smirk played on her lips. "You're not off the hook just yet," she sneered, holding up a set of papers. Confusion swarmed me as I looked at her.

"What's wrong?" I managed to utter, my voice shaky, unsure of what new trouble awaited.

Mrs. Simmons raised an eyebrow, relishing the moment. "Mr. Tenebris found a crucial section missing in the files. Care to explain why you'd deliver incomplete files?"

My eyes widened in disbelief. "I...I didn't know," I stammered, desperately trying to recall every step in the copying process. Wait, she has those papers. D..Did she really sabotage me? I looked at her in disbelief, noticing how smug she looked. Why would she do that?

"Well, you better find out," she snapped, pushing the blame squarely onto my shoulders. "And I suggest you hurry. Mr. Tenebris is calling you back. Fix this mess, or you'll find yourself out on the street faster than you can say 'lawsuit.'" Her satisfied face stared back at me as I looked at her, understanding the graveness of my situation.

The satisfaction in her tone was unmistakable, as if orchestrating my downfall brought her immense joy. Panic clawed at my throat as I rushed back down the hallway towards the elevator. The once-familiar surroundings now felt like a labyrinth closing in around me.

Looking at my reflection staring back at me, I willed myself to calm down. 'That bitch will not make me cry,' I decided, as I took deep breaths, trying to make the tears in my eyes disappear. 'Everyone makes mistakes, Elowen. Regardless of the fact that you did nothing wrong, I'm sure Mr. Tenebris would understand,' I assured myself.

The elevator doors slid open, revealing the sympathetic gaze of the man at the front desk. 'Not much reassurance there,' I thought, feeling my heart rate quicken. He pointed to the same office I had left just minutes ago. Gathering my resolve, I walked toward the office, the echo of my heels mimicking the ominous drumbeat of my impending doom.

Letting out a strained breath, I knocked twice. "Get in," I heard, his voice sounding rougher and strained than before. My heart raced as I reached for the door. Just as it creaked open, another door behind me swung wide. I turned, catching only a glimpse of the man before Mr. Tenebris thundered, "What the fuck is taking that long?"

Shuddering, I quickly opened the door and made my way in. The impeccably organised office seemed more intimidating this time.

"Mr. Tenebris, I apologize. I can explain-"

"I don't remember allowing you to speak"

I fell silent, glancing up to find him still seated, engrossed in paperwork.

My hands trembled uncontrollably; I quickly clasped them in front of me, fixing my gaze on the hem of my skirt. 'It's okay, Elowen. It'll be fine. His anger is understandable. Once he calms down, I'm sure he'll listen to your explanation,' I desperately reassured myself.

"Explain to me how you managed to fail in a task as straightforward as copying papers. I need to talk to HR about the kind of people we recruit. It doesn't matter that you're an intern. How can someone be so utterly incompetent to mess up a task as simple as pressing a few buttons?" he thundered.

I clenched the hem of my skirt, feeling tears threaten to spill. 'Don't be a baby, Elowen. Don't you dare cry,' I admonished myself, desperately trying to reign in my tears.

"I can assure you that you aren't paid to be a waste of goddamn space here. Unlike you, there's people out here doing actual work and not some insignificant bullshit. The absolute least you can do is ensure you manage your minimal tasks correctly, rather than wasting your time and mine. There's hundreds of people who would kill to get the opportunity you have and do the fucking job right. How HR hired someone so utterly stupid is beyond me. Is it too much to expect you to do your basic tasks right? Is it that hard? And what the fuck is so interesting in on the floor? Fucking look up!" he screamed as I felt something fly past the side of my face.

I gasped in surprise and terror, looking beside me to see the file I had printed lying there, a flurry of pages. 'D...Did he just throw the file at me?' The tears threatening to escape moments prior were making their way down my face as my hands trembled.

With my heart pounding in my chest, I dared to lift my gaze, meeting the storm brewing in Mr. Tenebris's eyes. He stood tall and imposing, his body language radiating unbridled rage. Clad in all black, he seemed like a formidable force, a towering presence that demanded attention.

Our eyes locked, and for a moment, time seemed to freeze. The intensity of his anger sent shivers down my spine, and the realization of the gravity of the situation hit me like a tidal wave. 'Look at him, Elowen. You need to face this,' I coached myself, swallowing hard.

As I peered into his furious eyes, the storm began to subside. His face, initially contorted with rage, softened ever so slightly. His eyes, once burning with anger, widened in a momentary lapse. It was as if a flicker of surprise had interrupted the tempest within him.

For a brief second, our gazes held a peculiar connection-an unspoken understanding that transcended the chaos. In that moment, I saw a glimpse of something beneath the surface, a vulnerability that hinted at the complexity within Mr. Tenebris. The air crackled with tension, and I couldn't decipher whether it was the calm before the storm or a fleeting moment of unexpected revelation.

The door swung open, breaking the heavy silence that hung in the air. The creak echoed through the room, and I instinctively looked down, clasping my hands in front of me, feeling the weight of embarrassment settle upon my shoulders. 'If this isn't bad enough already, am I going to berated further with an audience?' I almost whimpered at the thought.

As the door closed, the sound of footsteps approached, and a pair of shoes entered my line of sight. I dared not glance up, unsure of who it was and consumed by the discomfort of the situation. The shoes stopped near me, and a voice, smooth and restrained, pierced the air.

"Zander, my brother, must you create such a ruckus? Some of us are attempting to work"

Lysander, I immediately recognised, thinking back to an interview of his I saw a few months ago.

Lysander's voice is a river of smooth cadence, each word flowing seamlessly into the next. Deep and resonant, it carries an undertone of restraint, as if he's carefully measuring each syllable before it leaves his lips. There's a controlled elegance to his speech, a deliberate choice of words that reflects his sharp intellect. Yet, beneath this composed exterior, there lingers a subtle edge-a hint of something barely restrained, an uncharted depth waiting to be explored.

'There's two of them in here with me now. They're both going to eat me alive. I'm definitely getting fired today,' I thought, keeping my eyes on the floor.

The tension lifted slightly, and I felt a momentary reprieve. Lysander continued, "The entire floor need not be privy to your thoughts on the competence of our interns. I agree with you but keep it down, won't you?"

'It isn't even my fault. Why must everyone call me incompetent' I sniffled, the remnants of tears still lingering. My gaze remained fixed on the floor as the weight of the situation settled in. Suddenly, I felt the presence of two gazes on me, my hair shielding my face from the brothers.

I hesitantly looked up, to make eye contact with Zander. He looked........pained? 'He must be really afraid of disappointing his brother,' I concluded before I turned to look at Lysander.

Lysander stood beside me, a commanding presence that seemed to effortlessly fill the room. Tall and imposing, his physique echoed strength and authority. Unlike Zander's untamed ruggedness, Lysander's appearance was meticulously composed. His jet-black hair was neatly gelled back, with only a few rebellious strands daring to frame his face.

Sinfully beautiful, his features were sharp and chiseled, exuding a controlled elegance that bordered on intimidating. The sharp lines of his jaw and the piercing intensity of his eyes added to the allure, creating an image of power that seemed to radiate from every inch of him.

As he spoke, his voice, smooth as silk, carried an innate authority that demanded attention. Despite the composed exterior, there was an intriguing hint of something untamed beneath the surface, a quality that added a layer of complexity to the mesmerising aura he projected. In that moment, I couldn't help but feel a strange mix of vulnerability and fascination in his presence.

I met Lysander's gaze, expecting a stern expression, but to my surprise, his eyes widened as he took in the tears streaming down my face. It was a moment of unexpected vulnerability, and for a brief instant, his composed demeanor faltered.

Swiftly, he reached into his pocket, retrieving a neatly folded napkin. Without a word, he extended it toward me. Carefully, I accepted the small offering, stammering out a grateful "Thank you" as I wiped away the tears.

As my eyes met his again, a subtle shift occurred. The air around him changed, and the once-surprised expression transformed into a harder, more determined look. His demeanor became more intimidating, as if he had seamlessly shifted from offering comfort to demanding answers.

With a steely gaze, Lysander turned his attention to Zander, his voice smooth but assertive. "What's going on here, Zander? We're trying to maintain a professional atmosphere, and I don't believe the entire floor needs to hear a public reprimand. Keep it down."

Lysander then looks down, noticing the sheets of paper strewn on the floor and the file lying a few feet away from his feet. Lysander's gaze shifted from the scattered papers to Zander, a fleeting moment of confusion passing over his face before it morphed into unbridled anger. His shoulders tensed, and the controlled demeanour he'd carried moments ago gave way to a barely restrained fury.

"Zander," Lysander began, his voice maintaining its elegant cadence, each word carefully chosen. "Did you, in a fit of frustration, hurl this file at our intern?" His question, though refined, carried a weight that demanded an answer. As he spoke, he took a measured step forward, his body language echoing the gravity of the situation.

Flinching at the sudden movement, I stumbled backward, caught off guard. The unease in the room escalated as the brothers' attention shifted towards me, their penetrating gazes making me feel like a cornered prey.

My breath caught in my throat, feeling the weight of both brothers' stares bearing down on me. Panic seized me, a suffocating grip that made it hard to breathe. Before either Zander or Lysander could utter a word, I turned on my heel and bolted for the door.

Tears blurred my vision as I fled from the tense atmosphere of the office, the haunting echo of their voices lingering in my ears. The corridor stretched endlessly as I sprinted, heart pounding in my chest. I reached the restroom, stumbling inside, and locked myself in one of the stalls.

Leaning against the cold partition, I let the sobs I'd been holding back escape, the sound muffled by the confined space. The weight of the situation crashed over me, and I clung to the sanctuary of the restroom, seeking solace in the temporary refuge.

Huddled in the stall, my thoughts were a chaotic whirlwind. The internship, once a beacon of promise, now felt like a crumbling castle of shattered expectations. I berated myself for succumbing to emotion, for allowing tears to betray my composure. The weight of my perceived failure settled heavily on my shoulders, and I questioned whether I had jeopardized not just the day but my entire future at Tenebris & Associates.

'If only you had kept it together, Elowen. Must you cry so easily?' I scolded myself. As I wiped away the tears, I couldn't shake the sense of impending consequences. 'I'm definitely going to be fired, and over something I didn't even do wrong,' I thought. Regret gnawed at me, a bitter taste in the aftermath of my emotional outburst. This internship had meant everything—a stepping stone for my future, a chance to prove my worth. The looming uncertainty cast a shadow over the once-promising corridors of Tenebris & Associates.