Run: 2026-02-17-01KHMMDCQS2ZFV640NNCR8SFXK

The distinctive green neon sign above the entrance flickered and hummed as Aurora Carter passed beneath it. With a deep breath, she pushed open the heavy wooden door of The Raven's Nest. It was busier than she'd expected for a midweek evening. The din of conversation washed over her, punctuated by the clinking of glasses and muted laughter. She weaved her way through the crowd, her bright blue eyes scanning the dimly lit bar for a familiar face. Aurora slid onto an empty stool, her gaze drawn to the wall behind the bar. Old maps and black-and-white photographs hung in mismatched frames, a testament to the bar's storied past. As she waited for the bartender to finish serving a boisterous group at the other end, her thoughts wandered to the last time she'd been here. It felt like a lifetime ago. The bartender approached, his grey-streaked auburn hair glinting under the low lights. "What can I get you, love?" he asked, wiping his hands on a dish towel. She hesitated, suddenly self-conscious. "Silas?" His hazel eyes widened. "Aurora? Bloody hell, I almost didn't recognize you!" He reached across the bar to clasp her hand, his silver signet ring cold against her skin. She couldn't help but smile at the genuine warmth in his voice. "It's been a while." "Too long," he agreed. "What brings you back to the Nest?" Before she could answer, a loud crash echoed through the room. Conversation stuttered to a halt as everyone turned towards the source of the noise. A man stood near the entrance, swaying slightly. His unkempt hair hung in greasy strands around his face, and his clothes looked like they hadn't been washed in weeks. "Well, shit," Silas muttered under his breath. "If it isn't Evan fucking Thomas." Aurora felt the blood drain from her face. "Evan? I thought he moved away years ago." Silas shook his head. "He's been in and out of rehab more times than I can count. Last I heard, he was living on the streets." As if on cue, Evan's bloodshot eyes landed on Aurora. A slow, unsettling grin spread across his face as he staggered towards her. "Well, well, well. Look who it is. My favorite little liar." Silas moved to intercept him, his slight limp more pronounced than usual. "Not tonight, Evan. I won't have you causing trouble in my bar." Evan's gaze flicked to Silas, his lip curling. "Stay out of this, Blackwood. Unless you want everyone here to know about your secret little room in the back." Aurora saw a flicker of unease cross Silas' face before he schooled his features into a neutral expression. "Why don't we take this somewhere more private? I'm sure we can work something out." Evan's eyes narrowed. "I'm not interested in your fucking charity." "No, you're interested in making a scene," Aurora snapped, her patience wearing thin. "You always were a selfish prick, Evan. Some things never change." "Oh, but you have, haven't you, Aurora?" He took a step closer, his breath hot and sour against her cheek. "You think you're so much better than me now. But I know the truth about you. I know what you're capable of." Silas moved to stand between them, his voice low and urgent. "That's enough, Evan. You need to leave. Now." The tension in the bar was palpable as everyone waited to see what would happen next. Evan looked around, seeming to realize for the first time that he had an audience. His shoulders slumped, and for a brief moment, Aurora saw a glimpse of the man he used to be. "Don't worry," he sneered, backing away. "I'm going. But this isn't over, Aurora. Not by a long shot." The door slammed behind him, and slowly, the bar began to return to normal. Silas turned to face Aurora, concern etched on his face. "Are you alright?" She nodded, her hands shaking as she reached for her drink. "I will be." "What did he mean, about knowing the truth about you?" Aurora sighed, her finger tracing the rim of her glass. "It's a long story. One I'm not sure I'm ready to tell." Silas studied her for a long moment before nodding. "Fair enough. But if you change your mind, you know where to find me." She managed a small smile. "Thanks, Si. For everything." As the conversation in the bar returned to normal, Aurora found herself lost in thought. She'd spent so long trying to outrun her past, but it seemed determined to catch up with her. Maybe it was time to stop running and finally face the truth about who she really was.