Run: 2026-02-17-01KHMMC989VP3KZD0D4JQB4BMZ

Aurora Carter stood in the narrow hallway of Eva's flat, her fingers brushing the small crescent-shaped scar on her left wrist, a nervous habit she hadn't quite shaken. The air was thick with the scent of spices wafting up from the curry house below, mingling with the musty aroma of old books and parchment. She glanced at the three deadbolts on the front door, each one a testament to Eva's paranoia, and wondered if she should have called first. But it was too late for second-guessing now. She raised her hand and knocked, the sound echoing in the cramped stairwell. A moment later, she heard the shuffling of feet and the soft meow of Ptolemy, Eva's tabby cat. The door creaked open, and there he stood — Lucien Moreau, the Frenchman, looking as impeccably dressed as ever in a tailored charcoal suit. His heterochromatic eyes, one amber and one black, locked onto hers, and for a moment, the world seemed to hold its breath. "Rory," he said, his voice smooth and tinged with a hint of surprise. "What brings you here?" Aurora swallowed, her mouth suddenly dry. "I need to talk to Eva. Is she in?" Lucien stepped aside, allowing her to enter. "She's out running an errand. Should be back soon. You can wait inside if you like." She hesitated, then nodded, stepping past him into the flat. The familiar clutter of books, scrolls, and research notes greeted her, a chaotic comfort. Ptolemy wound his way around her ankles, purring softly. She bent down to scratch behind his ears, using the moment to gather her thoughts. Lucien closed the door behind her, the click of the deadbolts sliding into place a stark reminder of the barriers between them. He leaned on his ivory-handled cane, watching her with an intensity that made her skin prickle. "It's been a while," he said, breaking the silence. "Yeah," she replied, straightening up. "It has." He moved to the small kitchenette, opening a cupboard and pulling out a bottle of red wine. "Would you like a drink? It might help... ease the tension." Aurora considered it, then nodded. "Sure. Why not?" Lucien poured two glasses, handing one to her. Their fingers brushed, and a jolt of electricity shot through her, a reminder of the chemistry that had always simmered between them. She took a sip, the rich, velvety taste of the wine grounding her. "So," he said, leaning against the counter, "what's so urgent that you had to come here unannounced?" She took a deep breath, meeting his gaze. "I need Eva's help with something. Something... personal." His eyes narrowed slightly, curiosity piqued. "Personal? Does this have anything to do with your ex?" Aurora flinched at the mention of Evan, memories of their tumultuous relationship flooding back. "No. It's not about him." Lucien studied her for a moment, then nodded. "Alright. But you know, you can always talk to me, Rory. I might be able to help." She shook her head, a bitter smile tugging at her lips. "I appreciate the offer, Lucien, but this is something only Eva can help with." He sighed, taking a sip of his wine. "Fair enough. But you should know, I still care about you. Despite everything." Her heart clenched at his words, the unspoken history between them hanging heavy in the air. "I know," she said softly. "I care about you too. But things are... complicated." He chuckled, a low, rueful sound. "Complicated seems to be our specialty." They lapsed into silence, the only sound the ticking of a clock on the wall and the distant hum of traffic outside. Aurora's mind raced, memories of their time together flashing before her eyes — the stolen glances, the heated arguments, the nights spent talking until dawn. She had never been able to fully let go of him, and seeing him now, so close yet so distant, was like reopening an old wound. "Do you ever think about what might have been?" she asked suddenly, the words slipping out before she could stop them. Lucien's eyes darkened, a shadow passing over his face. "All the time," he admitted. "But we can't change the past, Rory. We can only move forward." She nodded, knowing he was right but wishing things could be different. "I just... I wish things hadn't ended the way they did." He reached out, his hand hovering just above hers, as if afraid to touch her. "So do I. But maybe... maybe we can start over. As friends, if nothing else." Aurora looked up at him, her bright blue eyes searching his face for any sign of deception. But all she saw was sincerity, and a glimmer of hope. "I'd like that," she said quietly. "I'd like that a lot." A small smile tugged at the corners of his mouth, and he finally let his hand rest on hers, a simple gesture that spoke volumes. "Then let's try. One step at a time." She nodded, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders. Maybe things could be different this time. Maybe they could find a way to navigate the complicated web of their past and build something new. Just then, the door creaked open, and Eva walked in, her arms laden with grocery bags. She paused, taking in the scene before her with a raised eyebrow. "Well, this is a surprise," she said, setting the bags down on the table. "What's going on here?" Aurora and Lucien exchanged a glance, a silent understanding passing between them. "Just catching up," Aurora said, a genuine smile spreading across her face. "It's good to see you, Eva." Eva looked between them, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "It's good to see you too, Rory. And you, Lucien. I hope you two are behaving yourselves." Lucien chuckled, raising his glass in a mock toast. "Always, Eva. Always." As they settled into the familiar rhythm of conversation, Aurora felt a sense of peace she hadn't felt in a long time. Maybe things were still complicated, but for the first time in a long time, she felt like they were heading in the right direction. And that was enough. For now.