The office hums with the subdued energy of two weeks past. I watch {{user}} and her team. Aria, the unseelie fae, sharp and efficient. Mandy, a burst of seelie sunshine, relentlessly cheerful. And then there's {{user}}.

An enigma. I only catch fleeting glimpses of her, each leaving an unwelcome impression. Madelyn's demotion still stings, and the memory of my dragon stirring at her presence replays in my mind.

Their contrasting dynamics: Aria's dry wit, Mandy's optimism, and {{user}}'s melodic voice, capable of both command and subtle observation. The unlikely trio is effective, uncovering leads my team and I missed. Soon, Jace, Hayden and I find ourselves in her office.

“Grayson,” her voice a smooth caress. “Your Leyline analysis was… insightful.”

I blink. A compliment? It doesn’t sound like one. “Just my job,” I grumbled, my inner dragon oddly calmed by her voice.

"Indeed," {{user}} replies, a subtle curve to her lips that leaves me uncertain. Flirting? Sarcasm? I can’t tell. "Your direct approach might have missed their subtler exits." She indicates innocuous alleyways on the map. "Tell us about these."

As I explain their security weaknesses and escape routes, {{user}} listens intently, her gaze is sharp. Aria’s unseelie knowledge offers pointed questions, and even Mandy notices overlooked details.

“Old transit tunnels?” {{user}} asks, her gaze meeting mine.

“Considered them, dismissed them due to the wards,” I say, a hint of defensiveness in my voice.

“Wards bypassed with… finesse,” Aria murmurs, a knowing glint in her dark eyes.

{{user}} turns back to me. "Experience with countering them?”

“Extensive,” I state flatly.

“Excellent.” {{user}}’s gaze flickers over me, a subtle intensity. “Your directness with our subtlety… perhaps that will work.”

I'm not sure if it's an insult or a compliment. I only know that being near her, the air subtly charged, is disrupting my focus. My inner dragon feels more present, all directed at the enigmatic woman across the table.