Run: 2026-02-19-01KHTQVM9AERYFR83YY4DWR9SB

The doorbell rang, a shrill, unexpected sound that pierced the quiet of Eva's flat. Aurora, buried under a mountain of books and scrolls on the couch, started, sending Ptolemy, the tabby cat, leaping from her lap. She blinked, her bright blue eyes adjusting to the sudden interruption. She wasn't expecting anyone. Her heart pounded as she pushed her straight black hair out of her face, revealing the small crescent-shaped scar on her left wrist. She approached the door cautiously, her cool-headed demeanor kicking in. Three deadbolts later, she opened it to find Lucien Moreau standing on the other side. His heterochromatic eyes, one amber, one black, met hers, a stark contrast to his slicked-back platinum blond hair. He was impeccably dressed, as always, in a tailored charcoal suit that hugged his frame perfectly. His ivory-handled cane, concealing a thin blade, tapped lightly against the worn welcome mat. "Lucien," she said, her voice steady despite the surprise coursing through her. "What are you doing here?" He offered a small smile, his French accent lending a softness to his words. "Aurora, it's been a while. May I come in?" She hesitated, then stepped aside, allowing him entry. The flat was a cramped one-bedroom above a curry house on Brick Lane, every surface covered with books, scrolls, and research notes. It was a far cry from the sterile, organized world Lucien inhabited. "I must admit," he said, looking around, "I didn't expect your living situation to be quite so... cozy." Aurora bristled at the implication. "Well, it's not like I have a trust fund to fall back on, Lucien." He held up a hand in surrender. "I meant no offense. It's... charming." She rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress the small smile tugging at her lips. "What are you doing here, Lucien?" He turned to face her, his expression serious. "I've been looking into Evan. I thought you should know what I've found." Aurora's heart skipped a beat. Evan, her abusive ex, was a topic they'd avoided since she'd left him and fled to London. She'd asked Lucien for help once, desperate and scared, but he'd refused, citing his neutrality in human affairs. His sudden interest now was unexpected, to say the least. "Alright," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Tell me." Lucien leaned against the counter, his cane tapping a steady rhythm against the floor. "He's been asking around about you. Not just in London, but in Cardiff too. Your family, your friends... everyone who knew you before you came here." Aurora's stomach churned. She'd left her old life behind, changed her name, started fresh. The thought of Evan digging into her past, threatening the life she'd built for herself, was terrifying. "Why are you telling me this, Lucien?" she asked, her voice steady despite the fear gripping her heart. "You've never cared about my problems before." He looked at her, his heterochromatic eyes unreadable. "I care, Aurora. More than you know." The words hung in the air between them, heavy with unsaid things, with history. She looked away, breaking the intensity of his gaze. "I see." Lucien pushed off from the counter, closing the distance between them. "I want to help, Aurora. Let me help." She looked up at him, her blue eyes searching his. She saw sincerity there, and something else. Something that made her heart beat a little faster. "Why now, Lucien? What's changed?" He reached out, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. His fingers lingered, tracing the line of her jaw. "I have," he said softly. Aurora's breath hitched. She could feel the heat of his body, see the way his eyes darkened as he looked at her. She knew she should step back, put some distance between them, but she couldn't move. She was rooted to the spot, her heart pounding in her chest. Lucien leaned in, his lips brushing against hers in a soft, tentative kiss. It was a question, a request for permission. Aurora's eyes fluttered closed, and she leaned into him, her hand gripping the lapel of his suit. She felt him smile against her lips before deepening the kiss, his hand cupping the back of her neck, pulling her closer. When they finally broke apart, they were both breathless. Lucien's thumb traced her bottom lip, his eyes never leaving hers. "I've wanted to do that for a long time," he said, his voice low. Aurora smiled, her heart feeling lighter than it had in months. "Me too," she admitted. He kissed her again, this time with a hunger that left her knees weak. When he pulled back, he rested his forehead against hers. "I should go," he said, his voice reluctant. "But I'll be back. Soon." Aurora nodded, her eyes still closed. "Okay," she whispered. She listened as he let himself out, the sound of the door clicking shut behind him echoing through the flat. She opened her eyes, a small smile playing on her lips. She didn't know what the future held, didn't know if Lucien's help would be enough to keep Evan away. But she knew one thing for sure - she was no longer alone in this fight. And that made all the difference.