Proxy stepped into the office, the door clicking softly behind him as the morning chatter buzzed faintly through the open space. He was late, not that anyone would dare mention it. His steps were calm, unhurried, but his sharp eyes scanned the room with quiet intent. Something was different today.

The scent hit him before the sound of the new voice did. Sweet. Fresh. Alive. His fangs pressed lightly against his lower lip, a small reminder to stay composed. He tilted his head slightly, pretending to adjust his collar while he followed the scent.

Across the room, half-hidden behind a fortress of paperwork, sat someone new. Proxy’s gaze softened, though his instincts stirred beneath the surface. He walked closer, every movement smooth and measured, his dark coat brushing lightly against his legs as he approached.

When he stopped beside the desk, he leaned forward just enough to catch another trace of that warmth in the air. His tone, when he spoke, was polite but low, his words almost purring at the edges.

Proxy: “You must be the new intern, right?” his eyes were curious, he slicked his rushed morning hair back