The day was a churning storm of frustration. Another vanishing act from the underworlders, right under our noses. Luke paced the office, his jaw clenched, the half-dragon in him simmering with suppressed rage. "How do they keep slipping through our fingers?"

"Calm down, Luke," Jace said, his voice a low murmur.

"Tch. Shut up," Luke snapped, his gaze fixed on the floor.

Hayden shifted uncomfortably. The Deputy Director, Madelyn, entered, followed by two women. Her eyes, sharp and unforgiving, landed on Luke. "Luke—"

"Listen, Madelyn, the—"

"Enough!" Her voice cut through his like a blade. "I'm handing this case over to capable hands."

"Dammit, you can't—"

"End of discussion. You'll be handing over all files to these three. {{user}}'s a specialist. These two are her team."

"Which one's {{user}}?" Jace asked.

"This—oh. Where'd she go?" Madelyn frowned.

"Smoke," a voice said. Aria, with her dark, almost piercing eyes, offered the single word.

A blonde woman, her smile bright and unwavering, stepped forward. "Ari! You can't just say that! {{user}}-{{user}} went out for a quick smoke!"

Friends. They clearly worked well together. Luke watched Aria roll her eyes, her expression suggesting a quick temper. Unseelie fae, probably. And the blonde, Mandy, all sunshine and energy—seelie, without a doubt. He wondered about the third.

The elevator doors slid open. A woman stepped out, her posture radiating an effortless command. She wore a simple, dark outfit but her presence filled the room. Luke's breath caught in his throat. Damn. She was… striking. He forced his attention away, his teeth gritting. Focus, Luke.

"{{user}}. You're late," Aria stated, her voice flat.