Run: 2026-02-17-01KHMPC1X89RW94F3M8T9HAEJC

The Raven's Nest, with its distinctive green neon sign, cast a welcoming glow over the narrow pavement. Inside, the dimly lit bar hummed with a quiet energy, the walls adorned with old maps and black-and-white photographs that spoke of distant lands and bygone eras. Aurora Carter, known to most as Rory, slid into a corner booth, her black hair falling in straight, shoulder-length waves. She sipped her beer, the cold liquid soothing her throat, her bright blue eyes scanning the room. It had been a long day, and the weight of the city pressed down on her like a thick fog. Silas Blackwood, the bar's owner and a man of quiet authority, was leaning against the counter, his grey-streaked auburn hair neat and his beard trimmed. He glanced over at Rory with a nod, his hazel eyes holding a glint of amusement. "Long day, Rory?" he asked, his voice a soft rumble. "Bit of a doozy," Rory replied, giving him a small smile. "Thanks for the drink, Silas." "No problem, kid." Silas's gaze drifted to the back of the bar, a familiar look of focus settling over his features. "Looks like you've got company." Rory turned her head, and her breath caught in her throat. Standing by the entrance, a hand resting on the doorframe, was Eva. The woman who had been her closest friend, the one who had pulled her out of Cardiff and into the chaos of London. It had been years since they'd last seen each other, and the distance hadn't just been physical. Eva had changed, her once vibrant presence now tinged with a weariness that Rory had never seen before. "Eva," Rory said, her voice barely above a whisper. Eva's eyes, a deep brown that had always been full of life, met Rory's. For a moment, they just stood there, the years between them hanging in the air like a heavy mist. Then, with a tentative smile, Eva made her way over to the booth. "Rory," she said, her voice a mix of relief and hesitation. "It's been a while." Rory stood up, and they hugged, the embrace awkward at first but gradually warming. When they pulled back, Rory noticed the changes more clearly. Eva's hair, once a wild mass of curls, was now sleek and straight, cut short in a bob that framed her face. Her eyes, though still warm, had a guarded look, as if she was always on the edge of retreat. "What are you doing here?" Rory asked, gesturing for Eva to sit down. "I was in the area, visiting some old contacts," Eva replied, choosing her words carefully. "I saw your name on Silas's employee board and thought I'd stop by." Rory nodded, feeling a pang of something she couldn't quite name. "It's good to see you. How have you been?" Eva's smile faltered for a moment, but she quickly recovered. "I've been busy. You know how it is. And you? Still working for Yu-Fei?" "Yeah," Rory said, nodding. "It's a decent gig. Keeps me on my feet, you know?" Eva's eyes flicked to Rory's left wrist, where a small crescent-shaped scar was visible. It was a reminder of a childhood accident, one of the many things they had shared growing up. "You haven't changed a bit," Eva said, her voice soft. Rory felt a twinge of something sharp. "Haven't I?" she asked, a hint of challenge in her voice. Eva's face darkened, and for a moment, the bar seemed to close in around them. "It's just... you're still the same person I remember, and I'm not. I've... changed." Rory's eyes narrowed, her bright blue gaze fixing on Eva. " Changed how?" Eva let out a sigh, running a hand through her short hair. "I've seen things, Rory. Done things. I'm not the same person who pulled you out of Cardiff anymore." Rory felt a wave of empathy and anger, a complex mix of emotions that she couldn't untangle. "What happened, Eva?" Eva looked down at her hands, her fingers tracing the edges of the table. "I got involved with some people. They promised me things, opportunities I couldn't pass up. But they came with a price. I've... I've lost a lot. My innocence, my faith in people. And I've lost you, too." Rory's heart ached, the weight of unspoken regret pressing down on her. "You never lost me, Eva. I just... I don't know. I needed space, I guess. To figure things out on my own." Eva met her gaze, her eyes shimmering with un shed tears. "I understand, but it doesn't make it any easier. I've missed you." Rory reached across the table, her hand finding Eva's. "I've missed you too. But we can't change the past. We can only move forward." Eva nodded, her lips forming a small, grateful smile. "You're right. We should catch up properly. Maybe grab a drink somewhere?" Rory squeezed her hand, feeling a sense of resolve. "Sounds good. I'll finish my shift, and we can head out." They sat in silence for a moment, the tension between them starting to dissolve. Silas, watching from the counter, cleared his throat. "Rory, you need a refill?" Rory looked up, her eyes grateful. "Yes, please, Silas. Make it a double." Eva laughed, a sound that echoed through the dimly lit bar, bringing a warmth that had been missing for a long time. "I'll join you," she said, her eyes meeting Rory's with a renewed connection. As Silas approached with their drinks, the two friends sat back, the weight of the years still palpable but no longer suffocating. They had a lot to talk about, a lot to unravel, but for now, they were together again. And that, in itself, was a start.