Run: 2026-02-19-01KHT0GKXX2TZ3YBVT9R6JNRJR

The door to Eva’s flat creaked open, and Rory’s heart skipped a beat. She hadn’t expected anyone to show up, especially not at this hour. The flat was a mess, as usual, with books and scrolls scattered across every available surface. Ptolemy, the tabby cat, lounged on a pile of papers, seemingly unperturbed by the unexpected visitor. Lucien Moreau stood in the doorway, his platinum-blond hair slicked back, and his heterochromatic eyes scrutinizing her. One eye amber, the other black, they seemed to pierce through her, reading her every thought. His tailored charcoal suit was as impeccable as always, and the ivory-handled cane he leaned on appeared almost like a formal accessory rather than a necessity. “Lucien,” Rory said, her voice steady despite the churn of emotions inside her. “What are you doing here?” He stepped inside without a word, his presence filling the small space. Ptolemy arched his back and hissed, but Lucien paid no mind to the cat’s protest. He closed the door behind him, the soft click echoing in the silence. “I could ask you the same, Rory,” he replied, his voice smooth and low. “It’s been a while, hasn’t it?” Rory crossed her arms, a defensive gesture she couldn’t help. “A month, to be precise. Since the last time we talked.” She paused, remembering the heated argument that had driven them apart. “Or rather, the last time you stormed out of my flat.” Lucien's lips curled into a thin smile. “I see. And how have you been, Aurora Carter, the part-time delivery girl who’s always running from her past?” She flinched at the use of her full name. No one called her that, not even her parents. “I’ve been fine, Lucien. Better than when you left, actually.” “Ah, the bruises have healed, but the scars remain, I presume,” he said, his eyes lingering on the crescent-shaped scar on her left wrist. It was a small, almost unnoticeable mark, but it told a story of her childhood that only a few knew. Rory pulled her arm closer to her chest. “You know, for someone who claims to be an information broker, you sure have a knack for digging up the past.” Lucien chuckled, a sound that was more mocking than genuine. “And you, my dear, have a talent for dodging the truth. But let’s not mince words. We both know why I’m here.” She raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued despite her efforts to keep him at arm’s length. “Why, Lucien? Why are you here?” He leaned against the door, his cane tapping the floor rhythmically. “I have a proposition for you. One that might finally give you the closure you’ve been seeking.” Rory’s heart pounded in her chest. Closure. It was something she had dreamed of, but never thought possible. “What kind of proposition?” Lucien’s eyes sparkled with a mix of amusement and something else—something she couldn’t quite place. “A job, if you will. One that requires your particular set of skills and, dare I say, your past experiences.” Her curiosity turned to suspicion. “What kind of job?” He took a step closer, the distance between them shrinking. “A job that involves tracking down a certain individual. Someone who has been causing quite a stir in the supernatural underworld. Someone who might just hold the key to the answers you’ve been searching for.” Rory’s breath caught in her throat. “Who?” Lucien’s smile widened. “A name you would recognize. Evan.” Her mind reeled. Evan. The name sent a shiver down her spine. The ex who had nearly destroyed her, physically and mentally. The one who had haunted her dreams and kept her awake at night. “Why would you want to find him?” “Because he’s become a liability,” Lucien said, his tone serious. “He’s been stirring up trouble, and it’s drawing unwanted attention. Attention that could be dangerous for both of us.” Rory’s fingers curled into fists at her sides. “Why should I help you?” Lucien’s gaze softened, or maybe it was just a trick of the light. “Because it’s your chance to confront him. To finally face him and put this chapter of your life behind you.” He took another step forward, his presence now almost suffocating. “And because, deep down, you know it’s the right thing to do.” Rory swallowed hard, her mind racing. The thought of seeing Evan again was terrifying, but the promise of closure was almost irresistible. “What’s in it for you?” Lucien’s smile returned, dangerous and knowing. “Power, influence, and the satisfaction of seeing justice served. But most importantly, it’s a chance to prove to you that I’m not the enemy you think I am.” Rory’s heart ached with the weight of his words. She had always seen Lucien as one of the many shadows in her life, a man who could be as manipulative as he was helpful. But the way he looked at her now, with a depth of understanding that she hadn’t expected, made her hesitate. “Fine,” she said, her voice steadier than she felt. “But if this is another one of your games, Lucien, I swear—” He held up a hand, cutting her off. “No games, Rory. Just the truth. And the chance for you to finally move forward.” She nodded, her resolve hardening. “Alright. But I’m doing this my way. No more secrets, no more lies.” Lucien’s eyes flashed, and he took a final step, closing the distance between them. “Agreed. Now, shall we begin?” Rory took a deep breath, the scent of old books and curry lingering in the air. She had a job to do, and this time, she was determined to see it through, no matter the cost.