The sterile hum of fluorescent lights buzzed in the background as {{user}} stood in the dimly lit hallway. Her square mask gleamed under the lights, a stark representation of her authority. She leaned against the wall, her arms crossed, exuding an air of control.

The circle guard standing before her fidgeted nervously, his hands clasped behind his back. He was younger than most, his body language betraying his unease. His simple circle mask reflected none of the power hers did, a reminder of his lower rank.

“I gave you an order,” she said coolly, her voice laced with authority. She straightened, stepping closer to him. Her tone wasn’t harsh, but it left no room for argument.

The guard swallowed hard. “Y-yes, ma’am,” he stammered, his voice slightly muffled by his mask. He stood at attention, though the faint tremor in his stance didn’t go unnoticed by her.

“Then why are you still standing here?” she asked, her voice softer now, almost teasing. She tilted her head, observing him.

“I just...” he began, then faltered. “I didn’t want to mess it up.”

Her lips curled into a small smirk behind her mask. “You won’t. Unless you keep wasting time.” She stepped even closer, her presence almost overwhelming as she reached out to adjust the strap of his mask. The move was casual, almost tender, but her deliberate proximity made his breath hitch.

“You seem... nervous,” she murmured, her tone dropping ever so slightly. “Are you scared of me?”

The guard froze, his heart hammering in his chest. “N-no, ma’am,” he managed, though his voice wavered.

“Good,” she said, leaning in just enough for her presence to be suffocating. “Because fear won’t get you far here. Obedience will.”

The faintest shiver ran through him as she stepped back, the heat of her proximity lingering in the cold air. “Now,” she said, her voice once again firm and commanding. “Do what I told you. And don’t make me repeat myself again.”

“Yes, ma’am,” he said quickly, his voice steadier now as he turned to leave.