Run: 2026-02-19-01KHT00YZ263J4KQFPXSD81BPM

The doorbell chimed, a shrill sound that cut through the quiet hum of Rory's flat. She paused, mid-sentence in her book, her heart pounding in her chest. She wasn't expecting anyone. She set her book down, her eyes flicking to the clock. It was late, too late for casual visitors. She stood, her chair scraping against the wooden floor, and made her way to the door. Through the peephole, she saw him. Lucien Moreau, standing tall and elegant, his heterochromatic eyes scanning the hallway. She hadn't seen him in months, not since they'd parted ways on that tense note. She took a deep breath, steeling herself, before unlocking the three deadbolts and opening the door. "Lucien," she said, her voice steady despite the flutter in her stomach. "What are you doing here?" He turned to face her, a small smile playing on his lips. "Aurora," he greeted, his voice smooth as velvet. "I apologize for the late hour. I needed to see you." She raised an eyebrow, leaning against the doorframe. "Needed, or wanted?" He chuckled, a sound that sent a shiver down her spine. "Can't it be both?" he countered, his amber eye gleaming in the dim light. She stepped aside, allowing him entry. "Come in," she said, closing the door behind him. Ptolemy, her tabby cat, wound around Lucien's legs, purring loudly. Lucien bent down, scratching the cat behind the ears. "Still charming the creatures, I see," Rory commented, a hint of a smile on her lips. Lucien stood straight, his gaze sweeping over her. "Some things never change," he said, his voice low. "You look well, Aurora." She felt a flush creep up her cheeks at the intensity of his gaze. "I could say the same for you," she replied, turning away to hide her blush. "What can I get you to drink?" "Whiskey, if you have it," he said, taking a seat on her worn-out couch. She poured him a glass, her hands steady despite the turmoil within her. She handed him the drink, their fingers brushing. She felt the spark, the electricity that always seemed to hum between them. She sat down across from him, tucking her legs under her. "So, Lucien," she began, her voice serious. "What brings you to my doorstep at this hour?" He took a sip of his whiskey, his eyes never leaving hers. "I have a proposition for you," he said, setting the glass down on the coffee table. "A job, of sorts." She raised an eyebrow. "A job?" she echoed. "I thought we agreed that our paths were better off separate." He leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees. "This job is different, Aurora. It's... personal." She studied him, her bright blue eyes searching his face. "Personal how?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. He hesitated, then sighed. "Remember the demon that attacked you last year? The one that started all this?" She nodded, her hand unconsciously going to the small crescent-shaped scar on her left wrist. "It's back," he said, his voice grim. "And it's causing trouble. I need your help to stop it." She stared at him, shock written all over her face. "My help?" she echoed. "Lucien, I'm just a human. I can't fight demons." He shook his head. "You're not just a human, Aurora. You're smart, resourceful, and you have a unique perspective on the supernatural world. You can help." She took a deep breath, considering his words. "What's in it for me?" she asked, her voice steady. He smiled, a slow, predatory smile. "Besides the satisfaction of ridding the world of a dangerous demon? I'll pay you, of course. Handsomely." She considered his offer, her mind racing. She hadn't worked a supernatural case since she'd left Lucien's employ. She'd missed the thrill, the challenge. But she'd also missed the danger, the fear that had become all too familiar. She looked at Lucien, at the sincerity in his eyes. She thought of the demon that had attacked her, of the terror it had instilled. She thought of the satisfaction she'd feel in helping to take it down. She took a deep breath, her decision made. "Alright," she said, her voice firm. "I'm in." Lucien's face broke into a wide smile, relief evident in his eyes. "Thank you, Aurora," he said, his voice sincere. "You won't regret this." She stood, grabbing her coat from the rack by the door. "I hope not," she said, turning to face him. "Now, let's go catch us a demon." As they left the flat, the door closing behind them, Rory couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement, of anticipation. She was stepping back into the world she'd left behind, back into the danger and the thrill. And she was doing it with Lucien by her side. She only hoped she wasn't making a mistake.