Run: 2026-02-17-01KHMMFQS6TR3F207H85SE35MX

A sharp knock at the door startled Rory as she sat hunched over her laptop. She frowned, glancing at the clock. It was nearly midnight. Who could be calling at this hour? As she crossed the cluttered living room, dodging precarious towers of books and papers, a second, more insistent knock sounded. Rory pressed her eye to the peephole and her breath caught in her throat. Standing in the dim hallway, looking just as she remembered him in a tailored suit, was Lucien Moreau. One amber eye and one black gazed back at her expectantly. For a moment, Rory considered not answering. Lucien was an unwelcome reminder of a past she'd tried for months to forget. But something in his mismatched eyes - a touch of weariness, perhaps - made her hesitate. She sighed and undid the locks. The door creaked open. They stared at each other over the threshold. A dozen thoughts flitted through Rory's mind, questions she hardly dared voice. But in the end, all she said was, "Lucien. This is unexpected. What brings you here?" "Bonjour, mon chéri," he replied softly, his rich baritone wrapping around her like silk. "I've missed you." At those words, Rory's restraint snapped. "Missed me? You've got some nerve -" "I know I have a lot to explain –" "You think?" Rory cut him off with a humorless laugh. "It's been six months, Lucien. Six months of radio silence after you swore to me -" "I know," he interjected firmly. Gently but insistently, he pressed a hand to her shoulder, guiding her back into the flat. "May I come in? I promise I'll tell you everything." After a moment's hesitation, Rory stepped aside. Lucien brushed past her, his presence seeming to fill the small space. He scanned the cramped room, taking in the strewn books and papers, before settling himself easily on the edge of her unmade bed. Rory leaned against the closed door, arms crossed. "Well?" "I won't waste time with small talk," Lucien began, hands folded atop his ivory-handled cane. "My silence these past months was necessary - to protect you." A harsh laugh escaped Rory. "Protect me? By disappearing without a trace after everything that happened between us?" "I know how it must have seemed," Lucien said, an edge of desperation creeping into his voice. "But believe me when I say I had no choice. My father - my demon father - learned of our...association. He threatened you. I couldn't allow that." Rory's anger wavered. Lucien's father, a terrifying demon lord from Avaros, was not a threat she took lightly. But still... "Why didn't you just tell me this months ago?" "Because I knew if I spoke to you, even briefly, I wouldn't find the resolve to stay away," Lucien said quietly. "And I had to stay away, until I was certain I could ensure your safety. Every moment we were apart was torture, chéri. You must believe that." Rory said nothing, torn between indignation and a horrible surge of yearning. Lucien looked at her imploringly. "I came tonight because the danger to you has passed. My father's attentions have been diverted elsewhere. And I..." His voice cracked. In three long strides, he closed the distance between them. Rory's heart raced as he tipped her chin up, amber and black eyes searching her face. "I came to ask - to beg - for your forgiveness," Lucien whispered hoarsely. "I swear to you, I'll never allow anything to part us again. If you'll have me." Tears pricked Rory's eyes. She reached for him, tangling her fingers in his lapels, and hauled him down into a searing kiss. Lucien made a rough sound and kissed her back fiercely, his hands cradling her face almost reverently. When they broke apart, Lucien pressed his forehead to hers. "Is that a yes?" he breathed. In answer, Rory simply pulled him closer, guiding him back towards the bed. For now, words could wait - she was done talking for tonight.