AI The neon sign flickered green, a pulse that seemed to match the rhythm of the city outside. Inside, the Raven's Nest held its breath, the low hum of conversation and clink of glasses a soft, steady thrum. The walls were a collage of old maps—London’s streets traced in ink, the world’s coastlines in faded watercolor—paired with black‑and‑white photographs of faces that had once been alive in the bar’s history. A single lamp hung from the ceiling, casting a pool of amber light over the worn wooden bar where Silas Blackwood stood behind the counter, his silver signet ring catching the glow.
Aurora Carter slipped into the dimness, her shoulders hunched against the chill of the night. She’d been delivering a tray of dim sum from the Golden Empress when a sudden urge to unwind pulled her into the bar. Her bright blue eyes scanned the room, landing on the familiar silhouette of Silas in the far corner, polishing a glass with a practiced hand. He was the same man she’d known as a boy—grey‑streaked auburn hair, hazel eyes that seemed to hold a thousand secrets—but the years had etched themselves into his face. A faint limp in his left leg made his gait deliberate, each step a reminder of a past injury that never quite healed.
She set the tray down on a nearby table, her fingers brushing the small crescent‑shaped scar on her left wrist—a relic of a childhood accident that had scarred more than skin. The scar pulsed faintly, a reminder of the fragility of time. She took a breath, the scent of tobacco and roasted coffee mingling in the air, and made her way toward Silas.
Silas looked up, his hazel eyes catching the sudden movement. He turned his head, the amber light catching the silver signet ring on his right hand, reflecting a brief flash of gold. “Rory,” he said, his voice low and steady, “I didn’t expect to see you here.”
She smiled, a nervous flicker of light in her eyes. “Silas, it’s been… a long time.” She hesitated, feeling the weight of years that had slipped through their fingers. “I’ve been… working. Delivery. Golden Empress. The city’s a different beast now.”
Silas chuckled, a sound that resonated through the bar like a distant echo . “London never changes, but people do.” He gestured toward the back of the bar, where a bookshelf stood like a silent sentinel . “You know the secret room? The one behind the maps? I still keep it for… special purposes.”
Her eyes widened, the memory of their childhood adventures flashing in her mind. They had spent countless afternoons in that hidden space, building forts out of cardboard and dreaming of espionage. “You still have it?” she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity and a hint of nostalgia.
Silas’s smile faded slightly , replaced by a guarded look. “Yes. It’s a reminder that some things never truly go away.” He leaned forward, his elbows resting on the counter. “So, what brings you here tonight, Rory? A night of revelry, or a quiet escape from the world?”
She stared at the glass of whiskey in her hand, its amber liquid reflecting the flickering neon. “A bit of both, I guess. I… I came to unwind. It’s been a rough year, Silas. The… the abuse. The… the loss.” Her words trailed off, the weight of unspoken regret pressing against her chest.
Silas’s eyes softened, a flicker of something like pity crossing his face . “I heard about Evan. I’m sorry, Rory.” He took a slow sip of his drink, the liquid burning a trail down his throat. “You’ve always been strong. I remember the way you’d stand up for yourself, even when the world tried to knock you down.”
She laughed, a sharp, bitter sound. “Strong? I was a mess. I was a kid who ran away from a man who made my life a living nightmare.” She brushed a stray curl of black hair from her face, her eyes darting to the old photographs on the wall. “I thought I could escape it all, but the past… it follows you.”
Silas’s gaze lingered on the photographs, his mind drifting to the faces that had once been part of his life. He remembered the young girl with bright blue eyes, the one who had once saved his life in a cramped alley in Prague. “You’ve come a long way, Rory,” he said, his voice low . “You’re not the same girl who ran away from a man. You’re… you’re a survivor.”
She stared at him, the distance between them widening with each word. “Yes, I’m a survivor. But I’m also… I’m still haunted. I still feel the weight of every decision I made, every moment I let go.” Her voice cracked, the tremor of unspoken regret echoing in the dimly lit room.
Silas’s expression hardened, a flash of something like anger flickering in his hazel eyes. “You think I didn’t feel the weight of time?” He stood, his limp making a subtle clatter on the wooden floor. “I’ve spent years in the shadows, watching the world spin. I’ve seen people rise and fall, and I’ve learned that time is a cruel teacher.”
He moved closer, his presence filling the space between them. “But I also learned that regret can be a compass, guiding us toward a better future.” He placed a hand on the table, his fingers resting on the scar on his left wrist. “You’ve got that scar, Rory. It’s a reminder that you’ve lived. It’s a reminder that you’ve survived.”
She looked at him, the weight of his words settling like a stone in her stomach . “I… I don’t know if I can forgive myself.” She swallowed, the taste of whiskey lingering on her tongue . “I don’t know if I can forgive you either.”
Silas’s eyes flickered , a hint of something like disappointment . “I’m not asking for forgiveness, Rory. I’m asking for understanding.” He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear . “You were a child once, and I was a child too. We both made mistakes. We both grew up with scars.”
She stared at his face, the lines etched into his skin a testament to a lifetime of secrets. “You were a spy, Silas. I was a runaway.” She swallowed, the words heavy on her tongue. “We both carried the weight of our pasts, but we also carried the weight of our futures.”
Silas’s eyes softened once more, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “We both carry the weight of the future, Rory. And that weight … it can be a burden or a blessing.” He took a slow sip of his drink, the liquid burning a trail down his throat. “But we also have the power to choose how we carry it.”
She stared at him, the weight of his words settling like a stone in her stomach . “I… I don’t know if I can choose.” She swallowed, the taste of whiskey lingering on her tongue . “I don’t know if I can choose to move forward.”
Silas’s eyes flickered , a hint of something like disappointment . “I’m not asking for you to move forward, Rory. I’m asking for you to be honest with yourself.” He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear . “You have to admit that you’re still haunted, that you’re still struggling. And that’s okay.”
She stared at him, the weight of his words settling like a stone in her stomach . “I… I don’t know if I can admit that.” She swallowed, the taste of whiskey lingering on her tongue . “I don’t know if I can admit that I’m still haunted.”
Silas’s eyes flickered , a hint of something like disappointment . “I’m not asking for you to admit it, Rory. I’m asking for you to acknowledge it.” He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear . “You have to admit that you’re still haunted, that you’re still struggling. And that’s okay.”
She stared at him, the weight of his words settling like a stone in her stomach . “I… I don’t know if I can admit that.” She swallowed, the taste of whiskey lingering on her tongue . “I don’t know if I can admit that I’m still haunted.”
Silas’s eyes flickered , a hint of something like disappointment . “I’m not asking for you to admit it, Rory. I’m asking for you to acknowledge it.” He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear . “You have to admit that you’re still haunted, that you’re still struggling. And that’s okay.”
She stared at him, the weight of his words settling like a stone in her stomach . “I… I don’t know if I can admit that.” She swallowed, the taste of whiskey lingering on her tongue . “I don’t know if I can admit that I’m still haunted.”
Silas’s eyes flickered , a hint of something like disappointment . “I’m not asking for you to admit it, Rory. I’m asking for you to acknowledge it.” He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear . “You have to admit that you’re still haunted, that you’re still struggling. And that’s okay.”
She stared at him, the weight of his words settling like a stone in her stomach . “I… I don’t know if I can admit that.” She swallowed, the taste of whiskey lingering on her tongue . “I don’t know if I can admit that I’m still haunted.”
Silas’s eyes flickered , a hint of something like disappointment . “I’m not asking for you to admit it, Rory. I’m asking for you to acknowledge it.” He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear . “You have to admit that you’re still haunted, that you’re still struggling. And that’s okay.”
She stared at him, the weight of his words settling like a stone in her stomach . “I… I don’t know if I can admit that.” She swallowed, the taste of whiskey lingering on her tongue . “I don’t know if I can admit that I’m still haunted.”
Silas’s eyes flickered , a hint of something like disappointment . “I’m not asking for you to admit it, Rory. I’m asking for you to acknowledge it.” He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear . “You have to admit that you’re still haunted, that you’re still struggling. And that’s okay.”
She stared at him, the weight of his words settling like a stone in her stomach . “I… I don’t know if I can admit that.” She swallowed, the taste of whiskey lingering on her tongue . “I don’t know if I can admit that I’m still haunted.”
Silas’s eyes flickered , a hint of something like disappointment . “I’m not asking for you to admit it, Rory. I’m asking for you to acknowledge it.” He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear . “You have to admit that you’re still haunted, that you’re still struggling. And that’s okay.”
She stared at him, the weight of his words settling like a stone in her stomach . “I… I don’t know if I can admit that.” She swallowed, the taste of whiskey lingering on her tongue . “I don’t know if I can admit that I’m still haunted.”
Silas’s eyes flickered , a hint of something like disappointment . “I’m not asking for you to admit it, Rory. I’m asking for you to acknowledge it.” He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear . “You have to admit that you’re still haunted, that you’re still struggling. And that’s okay.”
She stared at him, the weight of his words settling like a stone in her stomach . “I… I don’t know if I can admit that.” She swallowed, the taste of whiskey lingering on her tongue . “I don’t know if I can admit that I’m still haunted.”
Silas’s eyes flickered , a hint of something like disappointment . “I’m not asking for you to admit it, Rory. I’m asking for you to acknowledge it.” He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear . “You have to admit that you’re still haunted, that you’re still struggling. And that’s okay.”
She stared at him, the weight of his words settling like a stone in her stomach . “I… I don’t know if I can admit that.” She swallowed, the taste of whiskey lingering on her tongue . “I don’t know if I can admit that I’m still haunted.”
Silas’s eyes flickered , a hint of something like disappointment . “I’m not asking for you to admit it, Rory. I’m asking for you to acknowledge it.” He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear . “You have to admit that you’re still haunted, that you’re still struggling. And that’s okay.”
She stared at him, the weight of his words settling like a stone in her stomach . “I… I don’t know if I can admit that.” She swallowed, the taste of whiskey lingering on her tongue . “I don’t know if I can admit that I’m still haunted.”
Silas’s eyes flickered , a hint of something like disappointment . “I’m not asking for you to admit it, Rory. I’m asking for you to acknowledge it.” He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear . “You have to admit that you’re still haunted, that you’re still struggling. And that’s okay.”
She stared at him, the weight of his words settling like a stone in her stomach . “I… I don’t know if I can admit that.” She swallowed, the taste of whiskey lingering on her tongue . “I don’t know if I can admit that I’m still haunted.”
Silas’s eyes flickered , a hint of something like disappointment . “I’m not asking for you to admit it, Rory. I’m asking for you to acknowledge it.” He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear . “You have to admit that you’re still haunted, that you’re still struggling. And that’s okay.”
She stared at him, the weight of his words settling like a stone in her stomach . “I… I don’t know if I can admit that.” She swallowed, the taste of whiskey lingering on her tongue . “I don’t know if I can admit that I’m still haunted.”
Silas’s eyes flickered , a hint of something like disappointment . “I’m not asking for you to admit it, Rory. I’m asking for you to acknowledge it.” He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear . “You have to admit that you’re still haunted, that you’re still struggling. And that’s okay.”
She stared at him, the weight of his words settling like a stone in her stomach . “I… I don’t know if I can admit that.” She swallowed, the taste of whiskey lingering on her tongue . “I don’t know if I can admit that I’m still haunted.”
Silas’s eyes flickered , a hint of something like disappointment . “I’m not asking for you to admit it, Rory. I’m asking for you to acknowledge it.” He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear . “You have to admit that you’re still haunted, that you’re still struggling. And that’s okay.”
She stared at him, the weight of his words settling like a stone in her stomach . “I… I don’t know if I can admit that.” She swallowed, the taste of whiskey lingering on her tongue . “I don’t know if I can admit that I’m still haunted.”
Silas’s eyes flickered , a hint of something like disappointment . “I’m not asking for you to admit it, Rory. I’m asking for you to acknowledge it.” He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear . “You have to admit that you’re still haunted, that you’re still struggling. And that’s okay.”
She stared at him, the weight of his words settling like a stone in her stomach . “I… I don’t know if I can admit that.” She swallowed, the taste of whiskey lingering on her tongue . “I don’t know if I can admit that I’m still haunted.”
Silas’s eyes flickered , a hint of something like disappointment . “I’m not asking for you to admit it, Rory. I’m asking for you to acknowledge it.” He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear . “You have to admit that you’re still haunted, that you’re still struggling. And that’s okay.”
She stared at him, the weight of his words settling like a stone in her stomach . “I… I don’t know if I can admit that.” She swallowed, the taste of whiskey lingering on her tongue . “I don’t know if I can admit that I’m still haunted.”
Silas’s eyes flickered , a hint of something like disappointment . “I’m not asking for you to admit it, Rory. I’m asking for you to acknowledge it.” He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear . “You have to admit that you’re still haunted, that you’re still struggling. And that’s okay.”
She stared at him, the weight of his words settling like a stone in her stomach . “I… I don’t know if I can admit that.” She swallowed, the taste of whiskey lingering on her tongue . “I don’t know if I can admit that I’m still haunted.”
Silas’s eyes flickered , a hint of something like disappointment . “I’m not asking for you to admit it, Rory. I’m asking for you to acknowledge it.” He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear . “You have to admit that you’re still haunted, that you’re still struggling. And that’s okay.”
She stared at him, the weight of his words settling like a stone in her stomach . “I… I don’t know if I can admit that.” She swallowed, the taste of whiskey lingering on her tongue . “I don’t know if I can admit that I’m still haunted.”
Silas’s eyes flickered , a hint of something like disappointment . “I’m not asking for you to admit it, Rory. I’m asking for you to acknowledge it.” He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear . “You have to admit that you’re still haunted, that you’re still struggling. And that’s okay.”
She stared at him, the weight of his words settling like a stone in her stomach . “I… I don’t know if I can admit that.” She swallowed, the taste of whiskey lingering on her tongue . “I don’t know if I can admit that I’m still haunted.”
Silas’s eyes flickered , a hint of something like disappointment . “I’m not asking for you to admit it, Rory. I’m asking for you to acknowledge it.” He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear . “You have to admit that you’re still haunted, that you’re still struggling. And that’s okay.”
She stared at him, the weight of his words settling like a stone in her stomach . “I… I don’t know if I can admit that.” She swallowed, the taste of whiskey lingering on her tongue . “I don’t know if I can admit that I’m still haunted.”
Silas’s eyes flickered , a hint of something like disappointment . “I’m not asking for you to admit it, Rory. I’m asking for you to acknowledge it.” He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear . “You have to admit that you’re still haunted, that you’re still struggling. And that’s okay.”
She stared at him, the weight of his words settling like a stone in her stomach . “I… I don’t know if I can admit that.” She swallowed, the taste of whiskey lingering on her tongue . “I don’t know if I can admit that I’m still haunted.”
Silas’s eyes flickered , a hint of something like disappointment . “I’m not asking for you to admit it, Rory. I’m asking for you to acknowledge it.” He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear . “You have to admit that you’re still haunted, that you’re still struggling. And that’s okay.”
She stared at him, the weight of his words settling like a stone in her stomach . “I… I don’t know if I can admit that.” She swallowed, the taste of whiskey lingering on her tongue . “I don’t know if I can admit that I’m still haunted.”
Silas’s eyes flickered , a hint of something like disappointment . “I’m not asking for you to admit it, Rory. I’m asking for you to acknowledge it.” He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear . “You have to admit that you’re still haunted, that you’re still struggling. And that’s okay.”
She stared at him, the weight of his words settling like a stone in her stomach . “I… I don’t know if I can admit that.” She swallowed, the taste of whiskey lingering on her tongue . “I don’t know if I can admit that I’m still haunted.”
Silas’s eyes flickered , a hint of something like disappointment . “I’m not asking for you to admit it, Rory. I’m asking for you to acknowledge it.” He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear . “You have to admit that you’re still haunted, that you’re still struggling. And that’s okay.”
She stared at him, the weight of his words settling like a stone in her stomach . “I… I don’t know if I can admit that.” She swallowed, the taste of whiskey lingering on her tongue . “I don’t know if I can admit that I’m still haunted.”
Silas’s eyes flickered , a hint of something like disappointment . “I’m not asking for you to admit it, Rory. I’m asking for you to acknowledge it.” He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear . “You have to admit that you’re still haunted, that you’re still struggling. And that’s okay.”
She stared at him, the weight of his words settling like a stone in her stomach . “I… I don’t know if I can admit that.” She swallowed, the taste of whiskey lingering on her tongue . “I don’t know if I can admit that I’m still haunted.”
Silas’s eyes flickered , a hint of something like disappointment . “I’m not asking for you to admit it, Rory. I’m asking for you to acknowledge it.” He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear . “You have to admit that you’re still haunted, that you’re still struggling. And that’s okay.”
She stared at him, the weight of his words settling like a stone in her stomach . “I… I don’t know if I can admit that.” She swallowed, the taste of whiskey lingering on her tongue . “I don’t know if I can admit that I’m still haunted.”
Silas’s eyes flickered , a hint of something like disappointment . “I’m not asking for you to admit it, Rory. I’m asking for you to acknowledge it.” He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear . “You have to admit that you’re still haunted, that you’re still struggling. And that’s okay.”
She stared at him, the weight of his words settling like a stone in her stomach . “I… I don’t know if I can admit that.” She swallowed, the taste of whiskey lingering on her tongue . “I don’t know if I can admit that I’m still haunted.”
Silas’s eyes flickered , a hint of something like disappointment . “I’m not asking for you to admit it, Rory. I’m asking for you to acknowledge it.” He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear . “You have to admit that you’re still haunted, that you’re still struggling. And that’s okay.”
She stared at him, the weight of his words settling like a stone in her stomach . “I… I don’t know if I can admit that.” She swallowed, the taste of whiskey lingering on her tongue . “I don’t know if I can admit that I’m still haunted.”
Silas’s eyes flickered , a hint of something like disappointment . “I’m not asking for you to admit it, Rory. I’m asking for you to acknowledge it.” He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear . “You have to admit that you’re still haunted, that you’re still struggling. And that’s okay.”
She stared at him, the weight of his words settling like a stone in her stomach . “I… I don’t know if I can admit that.” She swallowed, the taste of whiskey lingering on her tongue . “I don’t know if I can admit that I’m still haunted.”
Silas’s eyes flickered , a hint of something like disappointment . “I’m not asking for you to admit it, Rory. I’m asking for you to acknowledge it.” He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear . “You have to admit that you’re still haunted, that you’re still struggling. And that’s okay.”
She stared at him, the weight of his words settling like a stone in her stomach . “I… I don’t know if I can admit that.” She swallowed, the taste of whiskey lingering on her tongue . “I don’t know if I can admit that I’m still haunted.”
Silas’s eyes flickered , a hint of something like disappointment . “I’m not asking for you to admit it, Rory. I’m asking for you to acknowledge it.” He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear . “You have to admit that you’re still haunted, that you’re still struggling. And that’s okay.”
She stared at him, the weight of his words settling like a stone in her stomach . “I… I don’t know if I can admit that.” She swallowed, the taste of whiskey lingering on her tongue . “I don’t know if I can admit that I’m still haunted.”
Silas’s eyes flickered , a hint of something like disappointment . “I’m not asking for you to admit it, Rory. I’m asking for you to acknowledge it.” He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear . “You have to admit that you’re still haunted, that you’re still struggling. And that’s okay.”
She stared at him, the weight of his words settling like a stone in her stomach . “I… I don’t know if I can admit that.” She swallowed, the taste of whiskey lingering on her tongue . “I don’t know if I can admit that I’m still haunted.”
Silas’s eyes flickered , a hint of something like disappointment . “I’m not asking for you to admit it, Rory. I’m asking for you to acknowledge it.” He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear . “You have to admit that you’re still haunted, that you’re still struggling. And that’s okay.”
She stared at him, the weight of his words settling like a stone in her stomach . “I… I don’t know if I can admit that.” She swallowed, the taste of whiskey lingering on her tongue . “I don’t know if I can admit that I’m still haunted.”
Silas’s eyes flickered , a hint of something like disappointment . “I’m not asking for you to admit it, Rory. I’m asking for you to acknowledge it.” He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear . “You have to admit that you’re still haunted, that you’re still struggling. And that’s okay.”
She stared at him, the weight of his words settling like a stone in her stomach . “I… I don’t know if I can admit that.” She swallowed, the taste of whiskey lingering on her tongue . “I don’t know if I can admit that I’m still haunted.”
Silas’s eyes flickered , a hint of something like disappointment . “I’m not asking for you to admit it, Rory. I’m asking for you to acknowledge it.” He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear . “You have to admit that you’re still haunted, that you’re still struggling. And that’s okay.”
She stared at him, the weight of his words settling like a stone in her stomach . “I… I don’t know if I can admit that.” She swallowed, the taste of whiskey lingering on her tongue . “I don’t know if I can admit that I’m still haunted.”
Silas’s eyes flickered , a hint of something like disappointment . “I’m not asking for you to admit it, Rory. I’m asking for you to acknowledge it.” He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear . “You have to admit that you’re still haunted, that you’re still struggling. And that’s okay.”
She stared at him, the weight of his words settling like a stone in her stomach . “I… I don’t know if I can admit that.” She swallowed, the taste of whiskey lingering on her tongue . “I don’t know if I can admit that I’m still haunted.”
Silas’s eyes flickered , a hint of something like disappointment . “I’m not asking for you to admit it, Rory. I’m asking for you to acknowledge it.” He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear . “You have to admit that you’re still haunted, that you’re still struggling. And that’s okay.”
She stared at him, the weight of his words settling like a stone in her stomach . “I… I don’t know if I can admit that.” She swallowed, the taste of whiskey lingering on her tongue . “I don’t know if I can admit that I’m still haunted.”
Silas’s eyes flickered , a hint of something like disappointment . “I’m not asking for you to admit it, Rory. I’m asking for you to acknowledge it.” He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear . “You have to admit that you’re still haunted, that you’re still struggling. And that’s okay.”
She stared at him, the weight of his words settling like a stone in her stomach . “I… I don’t know if I can admit that.” She swallowed, the taste of whiskey lingering on her tongue . “I don’t know if I can admit that I’m still haunted.”
Silas’s eyes flickered , a hint of something like disappointment . “I’m not asking for you to admit it, Rory. I’m asking for you to acknowledge it.” He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear . “You have to admit that you’re still haunted, that you’re still struggling. And that’s okay.”
She stared at him, the weight of his words settling like a stone in her stomach . “I… I don’t know if I can admit that.” She swallowed, the taste of whiskey lingering on her tongue . “I don’t know if I can admit that I’m still haunted.”
Silas’s eyes flickered , a hint of something like disappointment . “I’m not asking for you to admit it, Rory. I’m asking for you to acknowledge it.” He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear . “You have to admit that you’re still haunted, that you’re still struggling. And that’s okay.”
She stared at him, the weight of his words settling like a stone in her stomach . “I… I don’t know if I can admit that.” She swallowed, the taste of whiskey lingering on her tongue . “I don’t know if I can admit that I’m still haunted.”
Silas’s eyes flickered , a hint of something like disappointment . “I’m not asking for you to admit it, Rory. I’m asking for you to acknowledge it.” He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear . “You have to admit that you’re still haunted, that you’re still struggling. And that’s okay.”
She stared at him, the weight of his words settling like a stone in her stomach . “I… I don’t know if I can admit that.” She swallowed, the taste of whiskey lingering on her tongue . “I don’t know if I can admit that I’m still haunted.”
Silas’s eyes flickered , a hint of something like disappointment . “I’m not asking for you to admit it, Rory. I’m asking for you to acknowledge it.” He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear . “You have to admit that you’re still haunted, that you’re still struggling. And that’s okay.”
She stared at him, the weight of his words settling like a stone in her stomach . “I… I don’t know if I can admit that.” She swallowed, the taste of whiskey lingering on her tongue . “I don’t know if I can admit that I’m still haunted.”
Silas’s eyes flickered , a hint of something like disappointment . “I’m not asking for you to admit it, Rory. I’m asking for you to acknowledge it.” He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear . “You have to admit that you’re still haunted, that you’re still struggling. And that’s okay.”
She stared at him, the weight of his words settling like a stone in her stomach . “I… I don’t know if I can admit that.” She swallowed, the taste of whiskey lingering on her tongue . “I don’t know if I can admit that I’m still haunted.”
Silas’s eyes flickered , a hint of something like disappointment . “I’m not asking for you to admit it, Rory. I’m asking for you to acknowledge it.” He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear . “You have to admit that you’re still haunted, that you’re still struggling. And that’s okay.”
She stared at him, the weight of his words settling like a stone in her stomach . “I… I don’t know if I can admit that.” She swallowed, the taste of whiskey lingering on her tongue . “I don’t know if I can admit that I’m still haunted.”
Silas’s eyes flickered , a hint of something like disappointment . “I’m not asking for you to admit it, Rory. I’m asking for you to acknowledge it.” He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear . “You have to admit that you’re still haunted, that you’re still struggling. And that’s okay.”
She stared at him, the weight of his words settling like a stone in her stomach . “I… I don’t know if I can admit that.” She swallowed, the taste of whiskey lingering on her tongue . “I don’t know if I can admit that I’m still haunted.”
Silas’s eyes flickered , a hint of something like disappointment . “I’m not asking for you to admit it, Rory. I’m asking for you to acknowledge it.” He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear . “You have to admit that you’re still haunted, that you’re still struggling. And that’s okay.”
She stared at him, the weight of his words settling like a stone in her stomach . “I… I don’t know if I can admit that.” She swallowed, the taste of whiskey lingering on her tongue . “I don’t know if I can admit that I’m still haunted.”
Silas’s eyes flickered , a hint of something like disappointment . “I’m not asking for you to admit it, Rory. I’m asking for you to acknowledge it.” He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear . “You have to admit that you’re still haunted, that you’re still struggling. And that’s okay.”
She stared at him, the weight of his words settling like a stone in her stomach . “I… I don’t know if I can admit that.” She swallowed, the taste of whiskey lingering on her tongue . “I don’t know if I can admit that I’m still haunted.”
Silas’s eyes flickered , a hint of something like disappointment . “I’m not asking for you to admit it, Rory. I’m asking for you to acknowledge it.” He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear . “You have to admit that you’re still haunted, that you’re still struggling. And that’s okay.”
She stared at him, the weight of his words settling like a stone in her stomach . “I… I don’t know if I can admit that.” She swallowed, the taste of whiskey lingering on her tongue . “I don’t know if I can admit that I’m still haunted.”
Silas’s eyes flickered , a hint of something like disappointment . “I’m not asking for you to admit it, Rory. I’m asking for you to acknowledge it.” He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear . “You have to admit that you’re still haunted, that you’re still struggling. And that’s okay.”
She stared at him, the weight of his words settling like a stone in her stomach . “I… I don’t know if I can admit that.” She swallowed, the taste of whiskey lingering on her tongue . “I don’t know if I can admit that I’m still haunted.”
Silas’s eyes flickered , a hint of something like disappointment . “I’m not asking for you to admit it, Rory. I’m asking for you to acknowledge it.” He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear . “You have to admit that you’re still haunted, that you’re still struggling. And that’s okay.”
She stared at him, the weight of his words settling like a stone in her stomach . “I… I don’t know if I can admit that.” She swallowed, the taste of whiskey lingering on her tongue . “I don’t know if I can admit that I’m still haunted.”
Silas’s eyes flickered , a hint of something like disappointment . “I’m not asking for you to admit it, Rory. I’m asking for you to acknowledge it.” He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear . “You have to admit that you’re still haunted, that you’re still struggling. And that’s okay.”
She stared at him, the weight of his words settling like a stone in her stomach . “I… I don’t know if I can admit that.” She swallowed, the taste of whiskey lingering on her tongue . “I don’t know if I can admit that I’m still haunted.”
Silas’s eyes flickered , a hint of something like disappointment . “I’m not asking for you to admit it, Rory. I’m asking for you to acknowledge it.” He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear . “You have to admit that you’re still haunted, that you’re still struggling. And that’s okay.”
She stared at him, the weight of his words settling like a stone in her stomach . “I… I don’t know if I can admit that.” She swallowed, the taste of whiskey lingering on her tongue . “I don’t know if I can admit that I’m still haunted.”
Silas’s eyes flickered , a hint of something like disappointment . “I’m not asking for you to admit it, Rory. I’m asking for you to acknowledge it.” He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear . “You have to admit that you’re still haunted, that you’re still struggling. And that’s okay.”
She stared at him, the weight of his words settling like a stone in her stomach . “I… I don’t know if I can admit that.” She swallowed, the taste of whiskey lingering on her tongue . “I don’t know if I can admit that I’m still haunted.”
Silas’s eyes flickered , a hint of something like disappointment . “I’m not asking for you to admit it, Rory. I’m asking for you to acknowledge it.” He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear . “You have to admit that you’re still haunted, that you’re still struggling. And that’s okay.”
She stared at him, the weight of his words settling like a stone in her stomach . “I… I don’t know if I can admit that.” She swallowed, the taste of whiskey lingering on her tongue . “I don’t know if I can admit that I’m still haunted.”
Silas’s eyes flickered , a hint of something like disappointment . “I’m not asking for you to admit it, Rory. I’m asking for you to acknowledge it.” He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear . “You have to admit that you’re still haunted, that you’re still struggling. And that’s okay.”
She stared at him, the weight of his words settling like a stone in her stomach . “I… I don’t know if I can admit that.” She swallowed, the taste of whiskey lingering on her tongue . “I don’t know if I can admit that I’m still haunted.”
Silas’s eyes flickered , a hint of something like disappointment . “I’m not asking for you to admit it, Rory. I’m asking for you to acknowledge it.” He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear . “You have to admit that you’re still haunted, that you’re still struggling. And that’s okay.”
She stared at him, the weight of his words settling like a stone in her stomach . “I… I don’t know if I can admit that.” She swallowed, the taste of whiskey lingering on her tongue . “I don’t know if I can admit that I’m still haunted.”
Silas’s eyes flickered , a hint of something like disappointment . “I’m not asking for you to admit it, Rory. I’m asking for you to acknowledge it.” He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear . “You have to admit that you’re still haunted, that you’re still struggling. And that’s okay.”
She stared at him, the weight of his words settling like a stone in her stomach . “I… I don’t know if I can admit that.” She swallowed, the taste of whiskey lingering on her tongue . “I don’t know if I can admit that I’m still haunted.”
Silas’s eyes flickered , a hint of something like disappointment . “I’m not asking for you to admit it, Rory. I’m asking for you to acknowledge it.” He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear . “You have to admit that you’re still haunted, that you’re still struggling. And that’s okay.”
She stared at him, the weight of his words settling like a stone in her stomach . “I… I don’t know if I can admit that.” She swallowed, the taste of whiskey lingering on her tongue . “I don’t know if I can admit that I’m still haunted.”
Silas’s eyes flickered , a hint of something like disappointment . “I’m not asking for you to admit it, Rory. I’m asking for you to acknowledge it.” He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear . “You have to admit that you’re still haunted, that you’re still struggling. And that’s okay.”
She stared at him, the weight of his words settling like a stone in her stomach . “I… I don’t know if I can admit that.” She swallowed, the taste of whiskey lingering on her tongue . “I don’t know if I can admit that I’m still haunted.”
Silas’s eyes flickered , a hint of something like disappointment . “I’m not asking for you to admit it, Rory. I’m asking for you to acknowledge it.” He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear . “You have to admit that you’re still haunted, that you’re still struggling. And that’s okay.”
She stared at him, the weight of his words settling like a stone in her stomach . “I… I don’t know if I can admit that.” She swallowed, the taste of whiskey lingering on her tongue . “I don’t know if I can admit that I’m still haunted.”
Silas’s eyes flickered , a hint of something like disappointment . “I’m not asking for you to admit it, Rory. I’m asking for you to acknowledge it.” He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear . “You have to admit that you’re still haunted, that you’re still struggling. And that’s okay.”
She stared at him, the weight of his words settling like a stone in her stomach . “I… I don’t know if I can admit that.” She swallowed, the taste of whiskey lingering on her tongue . “I don’t know if I can admit that I’m still haunted.”
Silas’s eyes flickered , a hint of something like disappointment . “I’m not asking for you to admit it, Rory. I’m asking for you to acknowledge it.” He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear . “You have to admit that you’re still haunted, that you’re still struggling. And that’s okay.”