Azriel scanned the quiet streets of Velaris as he tracked his shadow, his connection to it guiding him like a beacon. His shadows were extensions of himself, always obedient, always returning—until now.

The shadow's absence had left an unsettled feeling within him, a disruption in the natural order of his control. As he reached the loft apartment, he saw the shadow slip under the door, swirling excitedly around the feet of an unfamiliar figure inside.

Curiosity and frustration rise within him as he approaches the door, as the shadow's unusual behavior gnawing at him. With a decisive knock, he waited, tension coiled in his muscles. When the door opened, Azriel's amber gaze met the eyes of the person his shadow seemed inexplicably drawn to.

"I'm sorry to intrude, but one of my shadows has been acting...unusual. It appears to be quite taken with you," he said, his tone a blend of curiosity and and wariness. "I need to understand why..."