Elowen's POV

I pushed open the stall door, my face still damp from hastily splashed water. I looked at myself in the mirror, taking a deep breath as if trying to inhale strength. "Pull yourself together, Elowen," I muttered, fingers tracing the outline of my reflection. "You're acting so unprofessional right now."

Determined, I straightened my posture and walked out of the restroom. The cold air in the corridor felt like a slap to my face, bringing a semblance of clarity to my thoughts. As I approached the elevator, the man at the reception desk glanced up, a flicker of relief passing over his features.

"Ms. Nocturne, your presence has been requested back-"

However, before he could finish, my eyes caught the gleam of closing elevator doors. Panic surged through my veins at the thought of being back in the room with the two brothers, and I broke into a sprint, slipping through the narrowing gap just in time. The doors closed behind me with a soft thud. 

I stood there, catching my breath, only to find I wasn't alone. 

Zephyr Tenebris stood in the elevator, an embodiment of meticulous perfection. Every strand of his dark hair seemed to obey the laws of order, carefully gelled back yet maintaining an air of effortless elegance. His sharp jawline and defined features spoke of aristocratic grace, each detail etched with precision.

From the tip of his polished shoes to the impeccably tailored suit that hugged his well-built frame, there was an undeniable allure to Zephyr's appearance. His physique, sculpted and powerful, hinted at the presence of concealed strength beneath the layers of fabric. The suit, a seamless extension of his commanding presence, accentuated rather than concealed the chiseled contours of his body.

In his hand, he held a sleek briefcase, a symbol of authority that complemented the aura of power he exuded. His gaze, stormy gray and penetrating, seemed to strip away any pretense or facade. It was a look that demanded attention, a silent proclamation of dominance.

Zephyr's attractiveness wasn't just in his physical features; it was in the composed confidence that radiated from him. It was the way his presence filled the confined space of the elevator, almost overbearing yet undeniably magnetic.

I stepped further into the elevator, trying to compose myself as I greeted Zephyr politely.

"Good morning Mr. Tenebris." 

The air seemed to thicken around me as his unwavering gaze focused on my face. His stormy grey eyes, sharp and perceptive, narrowed ever so slightly, undoubtedly catching the traces of redness and swelling around my eyes. The air of silent observation hung between us, and I felt a pang of self-consciousness under the scrutiny of his penetrating gaze. Despite my attempts to mask the emotional turmoil, Zephyr's discerning eyes seemed to read more than I was willing to reveal.

'Of course I run into him,' I thought, thinking back to the dismal day I've had so far. 'And it hasn't even been an hour since I stepped into the building,' I almost pouted as I thought. I didn't know if I should be thanking the gods or cursing them. Running into all three of the brothers in one day? Sounds great, unless we factor in the situation I'm in. 

'Fuck, this must be a great first impression,' I thought, recalling the way I stumbled into the elevator and the evident signs that I bawled my eyes out in the restroom just a few minutes prior.

'Don't be ridiculous, Elowen. He barely even noticed you,' I thought as I glanced up to see his eyes staring back at me through the reflection. 

Quickly looking back down, 'Well, regardless of that, you're definitely going to be fired so it doesn't matter what he thinks of you,' I assured myself. Why do I feel relief at the thought of that? I'm going to be fired. 

Realisation dawns on me and I feel my breath hitch. Feeling his eyes on me again, I tried to make myself smaller, 'Be quiet. There's no need for you to be more of a nuisance than you have been already-'

The elevator jerked to a sudden halt, and my heart leaped into my throat. Panic surged through me as the lights flickered, casting a dim glow that added to the tension in the confined space. Zander's voice resonated through the intercom, his tone rough and anger evident.

"Elowen, do my instructions mean nothing to you?" he barked, the words slicing through the air with a razor-sharp edge. "I ordered you to come back. Were my instructions not clear enough? I won't tolerate blatant disregard to my orders"

I trembled, my hands clutching at the hem of my skirt, my eyes wide with fear. The memory of our earlier encounter flashed before me, and the weight of his anger bore down on me like a crushing force. Zephyr stood there, an impassive observer, his gaze fixed on me as the scene unfolded.

"What the hell are you doing? Are you alright?" Zander's voice growled through the intercom, with a hint of concern, demanding an answer. The air in the elevator seemed to thicken, and I stammered, my voice barely audible. "I-I'm sorry, Mr. Tenebris. I didn't mean to disobey. I was just...."

His response was swift, the anger in his voice unyielding. "Come back here. At once. Don't test my patience."

The intercom fell silent, leaving the weight of his words hanging in the air. I stood there, trembling, caught between the reality of the enclosed space and the unrelenting gaze of Zephyr, who observed me with an unreadable expression.

Suddenly, Zander's voice cut though the intercom again, shocking me, "And Elowen?"

"Y-Yes?"

"Never run from me again"

A momentary silence hung in the elevator before a sharp beep echoed, signaling the resumption of its movement. The doors opened, revealing the entrance to the building just a few steps away.

'I could make a run for it,' I thought, my mind racing with the prospect of escape. 'I'll be fired either way, so would it really matter if I angered him more?' The memory of Zander's enraged voice replayed in my mind, sending a shudder down my spine. 

As the elevator doors threatened to close, Zephyr's voice cut through the air, commanding and almost threatening, a deep resonance that seemed to vibrate through the air, carrying a seductive allure. Each word dripped with a velvety richness. There was a magnetic quality to his tone, every syllable holding a certain charm, creating a symphony of sound that left an indelible impression, both commanding and irresistibly attractive.

"Don't even think about running, well, unless, you like to be chased" he declared, his tone a compelling force that brooked no disobedience. The words hung in the confined space, a stern reminder of just how fucked I was. The elevator doors closed with a thud.

Well, there goes that option. 

As the elevator resumed its ascent, a surge of anxiety tightened its grip on me. The weight of Zephyr's unwavering gaze felt like a physical force, his presence looming over me. Nervously fidgeting with the hem of my skirt, I could sense the impending storm awaiting me in Zander's office.

My mind raced with the potential consequences, each step closer to the upper floors feeling like a countdown to my inevitable reckoning. The mere thought of facing Zander again sent shudders down my spine. I reminded myself to stay composed, repeating a silent mantra to resist the urge to cry and to heed Zander's commands. 

'He's a lawyer, Elowen. He's definitely going to be understanding of the situation once he calms down.'

The elevator doors slid open, revealing the sleek and polished top floor of Tenebris & Associates. My breath caught as I stepped out, feeling a wave of dizziness wash over me. The nerves that had been gnawing at my insides intensified as I fidgeted, hands clasped together, trying to will away the tremors.

As the elevator doors opened, I was met with the sight of Lysander, standing there with an air of composed elegance. His eyes scanned me from top to bottom, checking for any visible signs of distress or injuries. The intensity of his gaze made me blush, and I couldn't meet his eyes as he spoke in a calm and measured tone.

"Miss Nocturne, I trust you won't be attempting another escape," he said, his voice smooth and controlled. I nodded, my embarrassment growing, and he continued, "I'm here to ensure your compliance. Mr. Tenebris wouldn't appreciate any further disobedience, I'm afraid."

Stepping out of the elevator, I felt the weight of his gaze on me, an invisible tether ensuring I wouldn't make a run for it. My steps were hesitant, and shame burned in my cheeks. I glanced down, avoiding eye contact, as I walked past Lysander.

"Lysander," Zephyr's voice was smooth, and demanding, "care to enlighten me on what's been transpiring here?"

Zephyr's inquiry about the commotion brought Lysander's attention to the state of my distress. His eyes, once indifferent, now scrutinised the obvious signs of my emotional upheaval—the swollen eyes, the red nose, and the overall disarray.

Lysander's gaze, now tinged with anger, met mine briefly before he turned his attention back to Zephyr. "A minor issue that requires resolution," he repeated cryptically. "Zander can explain, as he is the cause of this."

The intensity of their silent communication added another layer of unease to the already tense atmosphere. I glanced up at Zephyr, his features unreadable, wondering how much of my predicament was evident to him.

'Lysander seems much more likely to listen to my explanation,' I thought, taking in his calm demeanour. Maybe I can tell him what happened, and he can help convey that to Zander. I weighed my options - Zander or Lysander. 

It's obvious enough. 

"Mr. Tenebris, i-if I could ex-explain what happened," I started hesitantly, directing my gaze at Lysander.

His eyes, unwavering, took in my nervous and barely composed state. Zephyr glanced down at me, nodding as if giving permission to proceed.

"It was m-my fault," I began, "I was to deliver important files to Mr. Tenebris but missed an essential section..." I trailed off, contemplating Mrs. Simmons's role and how, technically, I hadn't erred. Should I divulge that information? No, the situation was already precarious, and I doubted they'd appreciate a mere intern blaming one of their employees.

Lysander raised a brow, silently urging me to continue.

"I can tell that's not all of it, Ms. Nocturne," he remarked, his eyes narrowing.

Damn him. What was I supposed to do now?

"I don't take being lied to kindly, Ms. Nocturne. I would advise you to answer Lysander as truthfully as you can," a smooth voice interjected, carrying a subtle warning.

Casting a nervous glance at Zephyr, I bit my lip, feeling the weight of both their gazes on me. I took a deep breath, attempting to compose myself.

"Mrs. Simmons gave me the file to copy and deliver to Mr. Tenebris. However, a few pages were missing."

Observing the shifting expressions on their faces, I hastily added, "Not that it's her fault, of course. It was a small oversight, and I'm sure she barely noticed. I should've paid more attention to the missing page numbers."

Zephyr's eyes narrowed on my face, and Lysander quirked up a brow.

"Of course, I'm sure she didn't mean to do it........" repeated Zephyr, his voice dark and sarcastic. 

"Mr. Tenebris was angry, rightfully so. I didn't get a chance to apologise for delaying his work. I overreacted and it's completely my fault. I deeply apologise for the inconvenience I've caused so far," I said, my hands trembling, as I thought about getting fired.

This is it, Elowen. You're done here. 

"He threw a file at you and you think you overreacted?" questioned Lysander dryly.

"He did what?" asked Zephyr. His voice was darker and deeper than before, if that was even possible, and I involuntarily shivered at the change.

Fuck, why do they have to be so intimidating?

"Let's not keep Zander waiting any longer, he's going to start breaking things. I'm afraid if we stall any longer, the firm might end up footing the bill for his office repairs, and I'd prefer to avoid that," Lysander remarked, irritation evident in his voice. 

I noticed a subtle mutter under his breath about Zander being an absolute child. The tension in the air escalated as we approached the office. Lysander, the voice of reason, opened the door, and Zephyr followed suit. I trailed behind them, my nerves a tumultuous storm.

As the door creaked open, Zander's impatience manifested in his demanding inquiry. "Where is she? Did she leave?" The room vibrated with his agitation, and I hesitated for a moment, fearing the consequences.

"I swear to god if she left after my warning-" he began, the threat hanging in the air. Before he could finish his sentence, I summoned every ounce of courage and stepped out from behind Zephyr and Lysander. The room fell into an uneasy silence as Zander's eyes locked onto mine, a storm of emotions brewing in his gaze.

As soon as he laid eyes on me, his gaze scanned my form as if he was checking for any signs of injury. I was taken aback, surprised by the almost concern reflected in his eyes. 

This is the time, Elowen. Explain yourself. 

My words rushed out in a hurried, stuttering manner, My hands wringing nervously. "Mr. Tenebris, I-I'm so sorry for the delay in your work and for, well, my unprofessional emotional response. I can get the remaining pages right away. I apologize for taking up your time, and I assure you, I'll make it right."

Zander's gaze held a peculiar mixture of regret and pain as he heard my apology, leaving me puzzled. "I-I didn't mean to—"

Before I could continue, Lysander interjected smoothly, "Zander, it's not her fault. Mrs. Simmons failed to provide the complete files. Ms. Nocturne did nothing wrong in this matter." His voice carried a sense of authority, emphasising my innocence in the situation.

Zander looked at Lysander, then at me, his expression shifting from regret to anger. Pure rage. 

However, not wanting Mrs. Simmons to be blamed, even though she deserved it, I felt compelled to speak. "Mrs. Simmons did provide the file, but it's my fault becau—"

Abruptly, I fell silent, catching sight of Zephyr's threatening expression and the clear warning in his gaze.

"What have I said about lying to us?" His voice held a stern edge, and frustration welled up within me as I thought, 'What's with these men and not letting me speak?' I shifted my gaze downward, fixating on my fingers, awaiting Zander's response.

Hope flickered in me. Maybe he would forgive me? Perhaps my job wasn't on the line after all?

"Take a seat, Elowen. My brothers and I have something to discuss," demanded Zephyr, his tone brooking no arguments. Before I could process it, my body instinctively moved toward the couch, positioned near the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Gazing outside, I sought distraction from the ongoing discussion and the precarious state of my future within the company. The day mirrored my inner turmoil—grey clouds loomed over the surrounding skyscrapers, the weather as dismal as my unfolding situation. In the lazy dance of the floating clouds, however, I found a fleeting sense of solace.

The weight of uncertainty pressed on me. 'What if I'm fired?' I thought, my eyes fixated on the cityscape. Thoughts of overdue rent surfaced, along with the uncomfortable memory of my leering landlord, insinuating alternative ways to settle my debts. I shuddered at the recollection.

I can't afford to lose this job. I need the money and I need the experience.

As I settled further into the plush couch, the weight of uncertainty still lingered. Gazing out at the lazy float of clouds outside the towering windows, I sighed. 'It'll be fine,' I whispered to myself, trying to quell the storm of inner turmoil. The cityscape offered a backdrop of calm chaos, a visual paradox that mirrored my conflicted emotions. In the ebb and flow of the clouds, I sought reassurance, hoping that, like them, my turbulent day would eventually give way to a clearer, brighter sky.