The sun had begun it's slow descent casting golden hues across the sky as Rowena and Lena walked down the bustling street towards tocker diner
A cozy little restaurant tucked between larger fancier establishments It was one of their favorite spots
Not just because of the ridiculously good milkshakes but because it felt like home
The scent of grilled meat and freshly baked bread drifted through the air and the sound of laughter and conversation filled the small yet lively place
Lena pushed the door open the bell above jingling softly the interior was just welcoming as ever
Dim yellow lights hanging low wooden tables that had seen years of use and a jukebox in the corner playing an old love song
Ugh finally
Lena groaned sliding into a booth near the window
I feel like I could eat an entire cow right now
Rowena chuckled and picked the menu though she already knew what she wanted she liked this routine _the normalcy of it
But even as she tried to focus on the moment a nagging discomfort lingering in the back of her mind it wasn't just exhaustion from work
It was something else
As if sensing her unease Lena narrowed her eyes
Okey spill it you've been zooming out all day
Rowena hesitated fingers tracing the edge of the menu should she tell Lena about the dreams?
About the flashes of a man's anger of a time felt ancient yet real?
Before she could decide a loud crash from the kitchen interrupted them following by the unmistakable sound of raised voices
Damn it Jake I told you to be careful!
I was careful! that plate was slippery as hell
Lena snorted
I swear those two are gonna break more plates than they serve food
Rowena smiled but her mind was elsewhere something felt off the moment was too familiar almost like she had lived in before
Deja vu
The air seemed to shift around her the dinner's warm lights flickering for just a second her vision blurred
And then she saw him
Not in the dinner but in her mind
A shadow figure standing on a battlefield drenched in moonlight his silver eyes. Burned with something fierce something unbreakable
His voice deep and commanding echoed in her head
You can't run from this forever Rowena
A sharp inhale brought her back the d8nner was still the same leña was still sitting across from her scrolling through her phone
No one else seemed to notice anything unusual
Perplexed she placed a hand on her temple what the hell was that?
Lena glanced up
You okay?
Yeah
She lied
Just a headache
Lena didn't buy it but let it slide at least she wasn't in that library of hers
After finishing they meal they made their way to lena's family house
A cozy two story home with vines creeping up it's stone walls
The scent of freshly cooked portage welcomed them as soon as they stepped inside
Lena's mother Mrs Evans stood by the kitchen's counter her dark curls tied in a loose bun as she washed the dishes
You're late miss
She said raising an eyebrow
I was about to lock the door and let you sleep out for a change
Lens rolled her eyes
Mom please it's not even 8 yet
Mrs Evans wiped her hands on a towel and turned to Rowena with a warm smile
Rowena sweatheart how have you been?
Rowena smiled back greatful for the familiar warmth of Lena's home
I've been good busy with work but good
Mrs evans gave her a knowing look
I hope youre not overworking yourself
Not at all mad ....
She is mom Lena cut her reply short
Mrs Evans smiled as Rowena gave Lena a warning look
Well you can stay as long as you please ok?
Rowena nodded her heart swelling with gratitude
Lena grabbed her by the wrist pulling her towards the Star
Come on we need to pick out a movie before mom forces us to watch some old historical drama again
Mrs Evans scoffed
Excuse me pride and prejudice is a masterpiece
Lena ignored her and dragged Rowena upstairs
As they entered Lena's room_a chaotic cozy space filled with pisters of motor cycles and sport cars books and an unreasonable amount of fairy lights
Rowena allowed herself relax maybe just fir tonight she could ignore all her problems