Run: 2026-02-19-01KHTRJXPWYK3JAG8YW5X1NR2H

Rory stared through the peephole, her heart pounding. She took a deep breath before unlatching the three deadbolts and pulling open the door. Lucien Moreau stood on the other side, his platinum blond hair slicked back and his charcoal suit crisp as ever. His heterochromatic eyes — one amber, one black — locked onto hers, and a small, wry smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "Hello, Laila." Rory's chest tightened at the old nickname. "Lucien." She glanced over her shoulder at the cluttered flat behind her, overflowing with books and research notes. "What are you doing here?" "I was in the neighborhood and thought I'd...drop in." His gaze swept over her, taking in the simple grey t-shirt and jeans she wore, so different from the tailored suits he favored. Rory crossed her arms over her chest, suddenly self-conscious. "How did you even find me?" Lucien chuckled. "You forget, my dear, that I have my ways of obtaining information." He stepped closer, his cane clicking against the hardwood floor. "May I come in?" Rory hesitated, torn. Part of her wanted to slam the door in his face, to shut him out and avoid the complicated emotions he stirred within her. But another part, a deeper, more vulnerable part, yearned to let him in — to finally confront the unresolved tension between them. After a long moment, she sighed and stepped aside, gesturing for him to enter. "Fine. But make it quick." Lucien's smile widened as he stepped into the flat, his gaze sweeping over the cluttered space. "Cozy." He paused, his eyes landing on the tabby cat curled up on the sofa. "And you've acquired a new companion, I see." "That's Ptolemy," Rory said, closing the door behind him. "Eva's cat." "Ah, yes. The elusive Eva." Lucien turned to face her, his expression suddenly serious. "How is she?" Rory's heart clenched at the genuine concern in his voice. She knew how deeply Lucien cared for Eva, even if he'd never admit it. "She's...surviving," Rory said quietly. "The nightmares haven't stopped." Lucien's jaw tightened, and Rory saw the flash of guilt in his eyes. She knew the events that had led to Eva's current state weighed heavily on him, even if he tried to hide it. "I see." Lucien's gaze drifted away, and Rory could almost see the wheels turning in his mind. "And you? How have you been, Laila?" Rory's breath caught at the use of that name. "It's Rory," she corrected, her voice barely above a whisper. "I...I've been alright, I suppose." She hesitated, then added, "As well as can be expected, given the circumstances." Lucien nodded, his eyes softening with an emotion Rory couldn't quite place. "I'm glad to hear it." He took a step closer, and Rory felt her heart quicken. "And...how are things between us?" Rory swallowed hard, her throat suddenly dry. "That's...a complicated question." She averted her gaze, unable to hold his intense stare. "A lot has happened since—" "Since I left?" Lucien finished, his voice low and tinged with regret. Rory nodded, a lump forming in her throat. "Yes. Since you left." The silence that stretched between them was heavy with unspoken words, the air thick with the weight of their shared history. Rory could feel the tension building, the pull of their old connection threatening to drag her back in. Finally, Lucien spoke, his voice soft and laced with something akin to...vulnerability. "I never meant to hurt you, Laila." Rory's eyes snapped up to meet his, the raw emotion in his gaze catching her off guard. "Rory," she corrected again, her voice barely above a whisper. "And...I know that. But it doesn't change the fact that you did." Lucien nodded, his expression pained. "You're right. I hurt you, and I can never take that back." He took another step closer, his cane clicking against the floor. "But I want you to know that I...I'm sorry. Truly, deeply sorry." Rory felt the sting of tears in her eyes, and she cursed herself for the vulnerability she was allowing herself to show. "Sorry doesn't erase the past, Lucien." "I know." He reached out, his gloved hand hovering just shy of her arm. "But perhaps it can be a starting point. For...for us to move forward. If you're willing." Rory's breath caught in her throat as she stared into his eyes, searching for any hint of deception. But all she saw was earnestness, a raw sincerity that she hadn't seen from him in years. "Why are you here, Lucien?" she whispered, her voice trembling slightly. He held her gaze, his expression softening. "Because I...I miss you, Laila. Rory." He corrected himself, the corner of his mouth twitching upward in a small smile. "And I need your help." Rory felt her heart skip a beat, the weight of his words settling over her. "My help?" she echoed, her brow furrowing. Lucien nodded, his expression serious once more. "Yes. There's...a situation, and I believe you're the only one who can help me." Rory hesitated, her mind racing. Part of her wanted to refuse, to shut him out and protect herself from the pain he'd caused her in the past. But the other part, the part that had never truly stopped caring for him, was intrigued. "What kind of situation?" she asked, her voice betraying her curiosity. Lucien's eyes gleamed with a hint of relief, and he took another step closer, his cane clicking against the hardwood. "It's a long story, but...I'm afraid it's one that involves our dear friend Eva." Rory's heart clenched at the mention of her best friend's name, and she felt a surge of protectiveness wash over her. "What happened?" Lucien's expression grew solemn. "I'm afraid Eva is in grave danger."