COORDINATES

prologue

Aurora, often called Rory by those close to her, had a life that many might envy. At 27, she had already achieved a significant amount of success in her career as a criminal journalist. Her looks could have easily led her down a very different path to the one that she was on, but Rory was passionate about uncovering the truth and sharing stories that mattered.

She was a gorgeous young woman, her green eyes striking against her almost raven-black hair. Her eyes were often described as mesmerizing, with a depth that hinted at her intelligence and curiosity. Her hair, thick and lustrous, framed her face in cascading waves, adding to her striking presence. Her high cheekbones and elegantly sculpted jawline gave her an air of sophistication, while her full lips, often curled into a thoughtful smile, conveyed both warmth and determination.

Rory's model-like looks were accentuated by her tall, slender frame. She moved with a grace that drew attention wherever she went, whether she was walking into a newsroom or blending into the background while investigating a story. Despite her natural beauty, Rory had a down-to-earth style. She favored practical, yet stylish clothing that allowed her to navigate both the professional world of journalism and the gritty reality of her investigative work.

Rory's appearance was not just a source of admiration but also a tool in her line of work. Her looks could disarm people, making them more willing to open up and share their stories. Yet, she was always careful to ensure that her charm didn't overshadow her competence. She had worked hard to be taken seriously in her field, and she made sure that her intelligence and dedication were always at the forefront.

Outside of her demanding job, she was also working on her own book, a project that allowed her to channel her creative energies and delve deeper into the narratives that fascinated her. When looking at her people wouldn't guess the following. Despite her professional achievements and her comfortable home, there were parts of Rory's life that cast a shadow over her happiness and her success.

A few years ago, she suffered the devastating loss of her parents, a blow that left a permanent ache in her heart. Adding to this void was the disappearance of her childhood best friend, Stephen, a several years prior to the death of her parents. His sudden departure and subsequent silence were wounds that had never fully healed. She took some solace in seeing his name in the news occasionally, knowing he was doing well in the business world, but the pain of his absence lingered. She still had questions. After all he did meet with her the day before his entire family moved away. 

Why had he left without a word? Why had he never come back?

These questions haunted her, even as she continued to build her life and career. Despite the darkness in her past, Rory was resilient, determined to find joy and purpose in the present. Her work, her writing, and the memory of happier times kept her moving forward, even as she grappled with the ghosts of her past.

Rory's mornings often began early, with the sun just beginning to cast its light through the city streets. She had developed a routine that balanced her need for stability with her ever-present curiosity. Her mornings typically started with a run through the nearby park, a habit she had picked up as a way to clear her mind and prepare for the day ahead. The rhythmic sound of her footsteps on the pavement and the fresh air helped her focus, both on her current assignments and on her book.

After her run, Rory would head back to her home. She lived here her entire life at least as long as she could remember. It was her childhood house. Rory couldn't find the heart to sell the house. After the death of her parents she moved back here. Much of the house remained the same although she did change up some things. She packed up her parents stuff, and put them into the storage, she couldn't bear to see their room the same, without them here with her. She turned their room into hers and, her room into the office room and her library - it was where she did all her work when she didn't go into the office. the other two rooms in her house were just guest rooms for when one of her friends visited or if she ever was to rent them out to someone.