Run: 2026-02-20-01KHXPBCEVM9X6MQPXPG302WNM

The door creaked open, revealing Aurora Carter, her bright blue eyes widening in surprise. "Lucien? What are you doing here?" Lucien Moreau stood in the doorway, his tailored charcoal suit immaculate, his heterochromatic eyes reflecting the dim light of the flat. He leaned on his ivory-handled cane, a slight smirk playing on his lips. "Aurora. It's been a while." Rory stepped back, her heart pounding. She hadn't seen him since that night, the one that ended with hurt words and slammed doors. She glanced at the three deadbolts she'd just unlocked, a habit she'd picked up since moving in with Eva. "What do you want, Lucien?" Lucien's gaze swept over her, taking in the changes since they last saw each other. Her straight black hair was now streaked with a hint of blue, her left wrist bore a small crescent-shaped scar, a reminder of a childhood accident. He cleared his throat. "Can I come in? It's important." Rory hesitated, then stepped aside, her shoulder brushing against his as he entered. The flat was cramped, every surface covered with books and scrolls. A tabby cat, Ptolemy, eyed Lucien warily from atop a stack of ancient tomes. Lucien's eyes scanned the room, taking in the chaos. "Still surrounded by books, I see." Rory closed the door, her back against it. "What do you want, Lucien? I'm not in the mood for games." He turned to her, his amber and black eyes serious. "I need your help, Aurora." She crossed her arms, her fingers brushing against the scar on her wrist. "With what?" Lucien sighed, running a hand through his slicked-back platinum blond hair. "It's complicated. I'm in a bit of trouble, and I need someone I can trust." Rory raised an eyebrow. "And you trust me?" He nodded. "Despite everything, yes. I trust you." She pushed off the door, walking past him to the small kitchenette. "Tea?" Lucien watched her, his eyes lingering on the way her black jeans hugged her legs. "Please." Rory filled the kettle, her back to him. "Start talking, Lucien. What kind of trouble are you in?" He leaned against the counter, his cane tapping a steady rhythm. "I've made some enemies. Powerful ones. They're after something I have, and they won't stop until they get it." Rory turned, her eyes narrowing. "And what is it you have?" Lucien hesitated, his gaze meeting hers. "Information. Dangerous information." She scoffed, turning back to the kettle. "You're always dealing in information, Lucien. Why should this be any different?" He reached out, his fingers brushing against her arm. "Because this time, it's personal, Aurora. This time, it's about you." Rory froze, her heart pounding. She turned to face him, her eyes searching his. "What do you mean?" Lucien's thumb traced the scar on her wrist, his touch gentle. "The information I have, it's about your past. About your family." She pulled her arm away, her eyes flashing. "What about my family?" He sighed, his hand dropping to his side. "I can't tell you here. It's not safe. But I need your help to keep this information out of the wrong hands." Rory studied him, her eyes searching his face for any sign of deceit. She saw only sincerity, only concern. She sighed, turning back to the kettle. "Fine. But we do this my way." Lucien nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "I wouldn't expect anything less." Rory poured the boiling water into the teapot, her mind racing. She had questions, so many questions, but she knew Lucien well enough to know he wouldn't answer them here. She handed him a cup of tea, her fingers brushing against his. He looked up at her, his eyes soft. "Thank you, Aurora." She nodded, her heart pounding. "Don't thank me yet, Lucien. You're not out of the woods." He chuckled, taking a sip of his tea. "I never am, am I?" Rory smiled, a small, genuine smile. "No, you're not. But that's why I like you, isn't it?" Lucien's eyes sparkled, his hand reaching out to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. "I like you too, Aurora. I always have." She stepped back, her heart pounding. "We should go. We've been here too long already." Lucien nodded, finishing his tea. "Lead the way." Rory grabbed her jacket, her eyes scanning the room one last time. She locked the door behind them, her heart pounding with anticipation and fear. She had no idea what lay ahead, but she knew one thing for certain - her life was about to change, and Lucien Moreau was at the center of it all. As they walked down the stairs, Lucien's hand brushed against hers, his fingers entwining with hers. She looked up at him, her eyes searching his. He smiled, a small, reassuring smile. "It's going to be okay, Aurora. I promise." She nodded, her heart pounding. She didn't know what the future held, but she knew one thing - she was ready to face it, with Lucien by her side.