Run: 2026-02-19-01KHTR2ZSX77P6N1TE6F5AV4NF

Aurora Carter slid onto the last vacant stool at the bar, the familiar creak of the old wood echoing in her ears. She caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror behind the liquor display — shoulder-length black hair slightly mussed from the light rain outside, bright blue eyes reflecting the muted lighting of The Raven's Nest. Her shift had ended an hour ago, but she’d found herself wandering through Soho, trailing through memories as she’d paced the wet streets. When she decided to duck into Silas’ bar, it felt inevitable. She rapped her knuckles lightly against the counter. “Silas, you around?” From behind the rows of bottles appeared Silas Blackwood, his hazel eyes lighting up in recognition. “Rory, thought you might show up.” He motioned with his head toward a darkened corner. “Someone’s waiting for you.” Puzzled, Aurora slid off the stool and made her way through the dimly lit bar, passing the old maps and black-and-white photographs hanging on the walls. She could feel the heavy, intimate history interwoven into the very fabric of the place. As she approached the corner, a figure uncrossed his legs and leaned forward into the light. “Rory,” the voice said, deep and resonant. “Long time.” She froze, staring at the man before her. “Evan,” she managed, the name both a whisper and a knife. He looked different — older, with a bit of stubble on his chin and the weariness of the world etched into his face. But those eyes, piercing and electric, remained the same. “Sit down,” he offered, gesturing to the seat opposite him. Without thinking, she obeyed. Her mind raced, trying to piece together how and why Evan was here, of all places. “Didn’t expect to see you here,” she said, attempting nonchalance as she sat down. Her scar itched, a phantom reminder of past pain. “Had some... business to take care of,” he replied, the shadow of an old smirk appearing on his lips. “And you? Still delivering noodles by day?” She bristled at his tone but kept her voice steady. “Yes, and it’s honest work. Keeps a roof over my head.” His eyes flickered down briefly, almost imperceptibly. “I wasn’t— I didn’t mean—” “Sure,” she interrupted. “What brings you to The Raven’s Nest? It's not exactly your usual haunt.” Evan leaned back, drumming his fingers on the wooden table. “The thing is, Rory, people change. I changed.” He looked away, then met her gaze with a seriousness that took her off guard. “And I need your help.” Aurora clenched her fists under the table. “You haven’t been part of my life for years, Evan. Why now?” He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “It’s complicated. After we… separated, things got rough. I got involved with the wrong crowd. Now, I’m trying to get out, but they won’t let me go so easily.” A bitter laugh escaped her lips. “So you’re back because you need something. Typical.” Raising his hands, he pleaded, “I came because Silas said you might… listen.” She turned to glance at Silas, who stood silent behind the bar, polishing glasses. The old man’s eyes met hers briefly. He gave a slight nod, encouragement she wasn’t sure she wanted. “Fine,” she muttered. “What do you need?” “The people I got mixed up with,” Evan began, leaning in, “they’re dangerous. They’ve been after me for weeks, and now they’ve threatened... someone I care about.” Aurora’s breath caught, and she struggled to maintain her composure. “Who?” He hesitated, then whispered, “My daughter, Sophie.” Shock rippled through her. “You have a daughter?” The disbelief in her voice was palpable. Evan nodded, eyes softening. “She's six. She’s innocent in all this. I just need to keep her safe.” A flood of conflicting emotions swept through Aurora. Anger, betrayal, but also a sliver of pity. “You dragged an innocent child into your mess?” A look of unspoken regret passed over his face. “I didn’t know how to protect her. But you...you’ve always been able to think on your feet. You’re smart, Rory.” His words hit a tender chord. Despite everything, the affection and admiration in his voice reminded her of the man Evan had once been. Briefly, she caught a glimpse of the past — the late-night conversations, the laughter, the dreams they’d once shared before everything crumbled. “Alright,” she said, her resolve firming. “I’ll help, but this doesn’t mean I’ve forgiven you. It’s for the little girl, not you.” Relief visibly washed over him. “Thank you, Rory. I knew I could count on you.” “Don’t thank me yet,” she warned, eyes narrowing. “First, we need Silas.” As if on cue, Silas limped over, his silver signet ring catching the light. “What’s the plan, kids?” Aurora rolled her eyes slightly at the term. “We need a safe place for a child. Somewhere those thugs can’t find her.” Silas thought for a moment, then nodded. “I have a few places in mind. We’ll get the girl to safety first and figure out the rest from there.” His voice carried the weight of someone who’d orchestrated countless operations. Evan’s shoulders dropped, the stress momentarily easing. “How soon can we move her?” “Tomorrow morning,” Silas answered. “For tonight, we’ll keep her in the Nest’s secret room.” He pointed to the hidden space behind the bookshelf. Aurora nodded. “Evan, bring Sophie here tonight. No one will think to look for her in a bar.” Evan’s posture straightened. “I’ll be back in an hour.” Watching him leave, Aurora felt a whirlwind of emotions. Evan’s return had reopened wounds she thought had healed. Yet, amidst the pain, there was a spark of something else — perhaps hope, or a chance for closure. “He seems different,” Silas noted, his eyes keen. “Yes,” Aurora admitted, “But I need to be sure.” “You’ve got this, Rory,” he said, laying a comforting hand on her shoulder. “You always have.” Later, as she waited for Evan to return, she found herself reflecting on the years that had passed. Life had been anything but kind, but here she was, standing firm, ready to face the storm once more. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for what lay ahead.