Run: 2026-02-17-01KHMME1K2T48KC6B63XCAQP8S

The distinctive green neon sign above the entrance flickered as Rory pushed open the heavy wooden door, slipping into the familiar dimness of The Raven's Nest. Her bright blue eyes scanned the bar, taking in the old maps and black-and-white photographs that papered the walls. It had been too long since she last set foot in here, back when she and Silas were practically inseparable. She made her way to the bar, perching on a worn leather stool as Silas approached, his neat beard matching his grey-streaked auburn hair. "Aurora Carter," he said, his hazel eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled. "What brings you back to the Nest?" Rory brushed a strand of straight, shoulder-length black hair behind her ear, revealing a small crescent-shaped scar on her left wrist. "Just needed a familiar face, I suppose." Silas nodded, his slight limp noticeable as he moved behind the bar. "The usual?" "Please." She watched him pour her drink, the silence between them comfortable despite the years apart. When he slid the glass towards her, she took a sip, savoring the burn of the whiskey. "So, what's new with you, Si?" He leaned against the bar, his signet ring glinting under the low lights. "Oh, you know. Keeping the bar running, keeping my ear to the ground. Same old." He tilted his head, studying her. "What about you? Last I heard, you were studying law in Cardiff." Rory grimaced. "That didn't work out. I'm in London now, working at the Golden Empress." Silas raised an eyebrow. "The restaurant down the street? That's a far cry from law." "It's complicated," she sighed, running a finger along the rim of her glass. "Let's just say I needed a fresh start." "I understand that," Silas said, his tone neutral. He glanced around the bar, empty save for a couple in the corner booth. "Listen, I have something I need to take care of in the back. Can you watch the bar for a few minutes?" Rory hesitated, then nodded. "Sure, I remember how it's done." Silas smiled his thanks before disappearing through the door behind the bar. Rory stood, rounding the bar to better keep an eye on the remaining patrons. As she did, the door to the back room opened again, and a man stepped out. He was tall, with dark hair and piercing blue eyes, wearing a well-tailored suit. He paused when he saw Rory, a flicker of recognition crossing his face. "Aurora? Aurora Carter?" Rory froze, her heart stuttering in her chest. "Evan?" A smile spread across his face, but it didn't reach his eyes. "It's been a long time. You look... different." "You too," Rory said faintly. The last time she'd seen Evan, he'd been a scruffy university student, not this polished, urbane figure. "What are you doing here?" Evan glanced towards the back room. "Business. Silas and I have some... mutual interests." He stepped closer, and Rory had to fight the urge to back away. "But I'm glad I ran into you. I've been meaning to look you up." "Oh?" Rory's voice was steady, but her pulse was racing. "Why's that?" He reached out, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear, and she flinched. He noticed, his smile turning sharp. "You didn't really think you could just disappear, did you, Aurora? I have a long memory." "Evan, I—" Rory's words cut off as Silas emerged from the back, his expression unreadable as he took in the scene. "Ah, I see you two have met," Silas said lightly, but there was an undercurrent of tension in his voice. "Evan, I think it's time you were on your way." Evan held Rory's gaze for a long moment before nodding. "Of course. We'll catch up later, Aurora." He turned, striding out of the bar without a backward glance. Silas watched him go, then turned to Rory, his brow furrowed. "Are you alright?" Rory let out a shaky breath. "I will be. I just... wasn't expecting to see him. Ever." Silas studied her for a long moment. "There's a story there." "It's not a pleasant one," Rory said, her voice tight. He nodded slowly. "I can imagine. But Rory... if he's going to be a problem, I need to know. There are things..." He shook his head. "Just... be careful, alright? And if you need anything—" "I know where to find you," Rory finished, managing a weak smile. "Thanks, Si." He squeezed her shoulder before turning to the couple in the booth. "Right, you two. Drink up, we're closing early tonight." As Silas herded the last of the patrons out the door, Rory slipped back behind the bar, grabbing a rag to wipe down the polished wood. But her mind was reeling, thoughts churning with a tangled mix of fear and something else, something harder and brighter. Seeing Evan again, it was like a match dropped in a pool of gasoline, igniting a dark corner of her mind she'd thought long-extinguished. She knew, with sudden, visceral certainty, that this was just the beginning. That Evan's reappearance in her life was going to lead somewhere dangerous, somewhere she wasn't sure she was ready to go. But she also knew, deep in her bones, that she wasn't the same girl who'd fled Cardiff two years ago. She'd spent too long running, too long looking over her shoulder. If Evan thought he could waltz back into her life and pick up where he left off, he was sorely mistaken. Rory glanced up, catching Silas' eye as he locked the door. He tilted his head towards the back room, and she nodded, following him into the hidden space behind the bookshelf. It was time to face her past head-on, to stop running and start fighting. And with Silas at her back, an ally with secrets of his own, she had a feeling the battle was just beginning.