Run: 2026-02-17-01KHMPHF9N4B1HPPBBB2130851

The knock was firm, almost insistent. Aurora, known to her friends as Rory, shifted uneasily on the couch, her eyes darting to the clock. It was past midnight, and she was alone in Eva's flat, the only sounds the distant hum of the city and the occasional rustle of pages from the stacks of books that cluttered every surface. The tabby cat, Ptolemy, napped contentedly on an old armchair, his tail curled around his paws. Rory hesitated, then got up, her bare feet padding softly on the worn carpet. She approached the door, her heart thudding in her chest. Who would be visiting at this hour? Eva was away on a research trip, and the only other person who knew where she lived was— Her hand paused on the doorknob. No, it couldn't be him. Not now. Not ever again. She took a deep breath and opened the door slowly. The sight that greeted her was a shock. Lucien Moreau, the Frenchman with heterochromatic eyes and a penchant for tailored charcoal suits, stood on the other side. His platinum blond hair was slicked back as usual, and his cane, with its ivory handle, rested casually in his hand. The expression on his face was unreadable, but his eyes— one amber, one black— pierced through her with an intensity that made her stomach twist. "Rory," he said, his voice smooth and accented. "It's been a while." She forced herself to step back, allowing him entry, though her mind screamed at her to close the door and turn him away. "What are you doing here, Luc?" she asked, her voice cooler than she felt. He limped in, the cane tapping against the floor. "I need your help," he said, his tone matter-of-fact. Rory closed the door and turned to face him. "My help? With what?" Lucien leaned against the wall, his eyes scanning the cluttered room. "You know as well as I do that the supernatural underworld is a dangerous place. I have a proposition for you, one that could benefit both of us." Rory crossed her arms, her defenses rising. "I'm not part of that world anymore, Luc. I left it behind for a reason." He took a step closer, his eyes locking onto hers. "And yet, you still possess the skills and the knowledge that make you invaluable. I wouldn't be here if I didn't think you were the right person for this." Her gaze flickered to the cane, the way he held it with a practiced ease that belied its lethal potential. She remembered the night they had parted, the tension and unresolved feelings that had left a bitter taste in her mouth. "What exactly do you need from me?" Lucien's expression softened, just a fraction. "There's a job. A high-stakes one. I can't do it alone, and I trust very few people. You're one of them." Rory's brows furrowed. "Why me? Why not someone else?" "Because you're not just capable; you're also unpredictable. You think outside the box, and that's exactly what this job requires." She felt a surge of frustration. "You mean I'm good at improvising because I'm not as rigid as you? Is that it?" Lucien's lips twitched into a small smile. "No, it's not that. It's because you have a unique perspective, one that has saved my life more times than I can count. And I need that perspective again." Rory's stomach churned with a mix of anxiety and old feelings. She couldn't deny that working with Lucien had its perks, but the memories of the hurt and betrayal still lingered. "What's the job?" He hesitated, then said, "There's a powerful artifact that needs to be retrieved. It's currently in the possession of a dangerous individual, and I need someone who can help me navigate the political and magical landscape. Someone who can think quickly and act decisively." Rory let out a long breath. "And you think I can do that?" "You already have, many times. You know the risks, and you've always been willing to take them." She glanced at the cat, Ptolemy, who was now watching them with a curious tilt of his head. "I need time to think about it, Luc. It's not something I can decide on the spot." Lucien nodded, his eyes never leaving hers. "I understand. But time is a luxury we don't have. The longer we wait, the more dangerous the situation becomes." Rory felt a knot of tension in her chest. She wanted to say no, to close the door and go back to her quiet, uneventful life. But the pull of the unknown, the thrill of the challenge, and the undeniable connection she still felt with Lucien made her hesitate. "Fine," she said, her voice low. "Give me an hour. I need to gather my thoughts." Lucien's expression softened further, a hint of relief in his eyes. "Thank you, Rory. I won't let you down this time." She turned away, her mind racing as she moved to the kitchen to pour herself a glass of water. The tap ran, the water cold and soothing against her hands. She took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions inside her. Behind her, she heard Lucien moving around the room, his cane tapping softly. She could feel his presence, a constant reminder of the past they shared and the future that lay ahead. When she turned back, he was standing by the window, looking out at the city. The moonlight cast a silvery glow over his features, softening the hardness that usually defined him. "Why did you come to me, Luc?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "Why not someone else?" He turned to face her, his eyes reflecting the moonlight. "Because you're the only one I trust with my life. And because, despite everything, I still care about you." Rory's heart skipped a beat, and she felt the walls she had built around herself beginning to crumble. She closed the distance between them, her eyes searching his face for any sign of deception. "You hurt me, Luc. You left me behind without a second thought." Lucien's expression darkened, and he took a step closer, his hand reaching out to touch her arm. "I know, and I'm sorry. I've regretted it every day since. I should have told you the truth, but I was afraid. Afraid of losing you, afraid of what you might think of me." Rory's breath caught in her throat. The touch of his hand sent a shiver down her spine, and she found herself leaning into him, the tension between them palpable. "What is the truth, Luc? What didn't you tell me?" He hesitated, then said, "Everything. My past, my true nature, the reasons behind my actions. I should have trusted you with all of it." Rory's eyes narrowed, a mix of curiosity and skepticism in her gaze. "My past isn't exactly spotless either, but you always knew me, every part of me. I deserve the same from you." Lucien nodded, his eyes never leaving hers. "You do. And I'll tell you everything, but not tonight. Tonight, we have a job to do. Tomorrow, I promise, I'll share everything with you." Rory felt a surge of relief and a lingering doubt. "Alright," she said, her voice steady. "But you better keep your promise, Luc. I won't let you push me away again." He smiled, a genuine, rare smile that transformed his features. "I won't. I promise." For a moment, they stood there, the unspoken words and unresolved feelings hanging between them. Then, Lucien stepped back, his expression becoming more professional. "We should get started. The artifact isn't going to wait for us." Rory nodded, her mind already shifting to the task at hand. "Let's do it. But after this, no more secrets, okay?" Lucien's eyes met hers, a silent promise in his gaze. "No more secrets." They moved together, a默契同步的舞步，仿佛他们从未分开过。Rory gathered her things, her mind racing with plans and strategies. Lucien watched her, a small smile playing on his lips as he observed her efficiency and determination. As they stepped out into the night, the city lights casting a warm glow over the streets, Rory felt a sense of resolve. No matter how complicated their past, they were in this together now, and she was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.