Run: 2026-02-19-01KHTR32WNFZW0TSGHB5V6F7KP

The door to Eva's flat creaked open, and Aurora's heart skipped a beat. There, standing in the threshold, was Lucien Moreau. His slicked-back platinum blond hair gleamed under the dim hallway light, and his heterochromatic eyes — one amber, one black — locked onto hers with an intensity that made her breath catch. "Lucien," she managed, her voice a mix of surprise and something else, something she couldn't name. "Rory," he replied, his tone smooth but tinged with a note of caution. He held up a small envelope. "I need to talk to you." She stepped back, letting him in. The flat was as cluttered as ever, books and research notes scattered across every surface. Ptolemy, the tabby cat, meowed from a pile of papers on the coffee table and gave a lazy stretch before ignoring them both. "What is it?" Aurora asked, closing the door behind him. She folded her arms, a defensive gesture she couldn't help. Lucien glanced around the room, his eyes taking in the chaos. "It’s about the case you’re working on. I have information." Aurora's curiosity piqued. "What case?" "The one involving the supernatural artifacts. The ones that were stolen from the London Museum." She raised an eyebrow. "You know about that?" "Of course," he said, his voice steady. "I always know." Aurora crossed the room to the kitchenette and poured herself a glass of water. She needed a moment to gather her thoughts. "You could have called. Why show up unannounced?" Lucien leaned against the doorframe, his ivory-handled cane tapping a steady rhythm on the floor. "I wanted to see you. Face to face." She sipped her water, the cold liquid a soothing balm against her nerves. "Is that all?" He took a step closer, his eyes never leaving hers. "No. There's more." She set the glass down, the sound sharp in the quiet room. "Like what?" "Like us." Aurora's gaze hardened. "There is no 'us', Lucien. Not anymore." He sighed, the sound heavy with unspoken history. "I know. But there are things we need to discuss, things that shouldn't be left unsaid." She turned away, her hands curling into fists. "What things?" "About what happened. About why I left." Aurora spun back to face him, her anger flaring. "You didn't have to leave. You chose to." He held up a hand, his expression softening. "It wasn't a choice, Rory. It was a necessity." "A necessity? You disappeared without a word. You left me hanging, wondering if I had done something wrong. Wondering if you even cared." Lucien's eyes darkened. "I cared. More than you know. But the situation was ... complicated." "Complicated?" She laughed, a bitter, hollow sound. "That's an understatement. You left me in the dark, Lucien. You left me alone." He took another step closer, his voice low and earnest. "I had to protect you. There were forces at play that you don't understand. Forces that would have used you to get to me." Aurora's eyes narrowed. "Used me? What do you mean?" He hesitated, then seemed to make a decision. "Avaros. My father's realm. There are those who would stop at nothing to gain control. I had to cut ties, to make sure you were safe." She bit her lip, a wave of conflicting emotions crashing over her. Fear, anger, and a deep, lingering ache. "You could have told me. You could have explained." "I know," he said, his voice thick with regret. "And I'm sorry. Truly, I am." Aurora looked away, the weight of his apology heavy in the air. "Sorry doesn't change what happened." He reached out, his hand brushing against hers. She flinched, but didn't pull away. "I know. But I want to make it right. I want to explain everything." She sighed, her resolve softening. "Why now?" "Because the situation has changed. The artifacts were stolen, and there's a possibility they're connected to Avaros. I need your help, Rory. I need you." She looked at him, really looked at him, and saw the sincerity in his eyes. The same eyes that had once made her heart race. "What do you need me to do?" He smiled, a small, grateful smile. "You always know how to cut to the chase. I need you to help me track down the artifacts. We have to find them before they fall into the wrong hands." Aurora nodded, the decision already made in her mind. "Alright. But we do this my way. No more secrets. No more disappearing acts." He nodded, a look of relief crossing his face. "Fair enough." Ptolemy yawned and stretched, breaking the tension. Aurora laughed, a genuine, light sound. "Looks like we have a witness." Lucien laughed too, the sound warm and familiar. "Seems so." They stood there for a moment, the air between them charged with unspoken words and shared history. Aurora took a deep breath, letting the tension ease. "So, where do we start?" He straightened, his expression turning serious. "With a plan. And a bit of reconnaissance. But first, let's get some sleep. We have a long day ahead." Aurora nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Agreed. But you take the couch. I need my space." Lucien chuckled, a sound that sent a shiver down her spine. "Fair enough. Goodnight, Rory." "Goodnight, Lucien." As he settled into the couch, Aurora retreated to her bedroom, the door closing behind her with a soft click. She leaned against it, her heart pounding. The future was uncertain, but for the first time in a long time, she felt a glimmer of hope. They might not have it all figured out, but they were in this together. And for now, that was enough.