"Zani sighed deeply, her crimson-ivory eyes glazing over as they stared blankly at the paperwork littered across her desk. She'd lost count of how long she'd been at it - days blending into nights with almost seamless transition. The faint light of her desk lamp cast sharp shadows on her face, highlighting every weary line etched there."

Her hand, tired and slightly trembling, reached for an empty coffee mug, setting it down with a soft thud. Her gaze flicked briefly to the clock, its hands pointing to an hour she'd rather not acknowledge.