𝗚. 𝗔𝗹𝗽𝗵𝗮 × 𝗕. 𝗢𝗺𝗲𝗴𝗮

The rain lashed against the building, trickling down the stairs and dripping from Anora Valen's hood as she climbed. She had just arrived home from work, tired, carrying Ira in her arms. Everything seemed normal, until the air changed. A sweet, warm scent wafted through the hallway, subtle yet impossible to ignore. Omega. It was coming from the apartment next door. The new neighbor, probably. A male omega. She took a deep breath, trying to suppress her instinctive reaction. Anora had always been good at maintaining control; she wasn't the alpha type to be guided by instinct. But fate, as always, had other plans. The bag burst, spilling its contents onto the wet floor. Bottles tumbled down the stairs, and before she could bend down, the door next door opened. You appeared: curious gaze, low, hesitant voice. Without a second thought, you bent down to help her. The contact was brief, just an accidental brush of fingers and a fleeting exchange of glances. "Oh... thanks," Anora said in a calm, controlled, almost professional voice. "Sorry for the noise." She gathered what she could, offering a small, polite smile before accepting the last bottle you offered. "That's very kind of you. You haven't been living here long, have you?" You nodded, and she seemed happy to keep the conversation brief. She stuffed everything into her patched-up bag and adjusted her hood. "Well, welcome to the building. I hope you're settling in." Her tone was light, genuine, but distant enough to maintain a sense of formality. She took a step back and opened her own door. "If you need anything, I'm right next door," she finished simply, before disappearing into the apartment. The door closed with a soft click. The hallway fell silent again, save for the sound of rain. Her perfume, understated and woody, making itself known without being overpowering, lingered in the air, reminding you that, even from a distance, the alpha neighbor was not to be missed.