The Paper Trail

To dodge Dr. Aldric's attack, Ethan leaped back like a monkey, his movements quick and exaggerated. Everyone stared at him as if he'd lost his mind. Feeling the weight of their gazes, he awkwardly rubbed his nose.

"Uh… it's nothing. Let's go—we should follow them!" he said, grabbing Victor's arm and pulling him along. They trailed the trio from a distance, keeping a full block between them.

Ethan's mind raced as he replayed the scene in his head. The apprentice had sniffed the residue on the golden needle, then exchanged a look with Dr. Aldric. Ethan's sharp instincts told him the apprentice had noticed something. Why else would he glance outside with that thoughtful expression? And why would he nod at Dr. Aldric, as if confirming something?

A suspicion crept into Ethan's mind. Is that apprentice a mutant? Does he have a nose like a dog's, able to track someone based on the scent left behind?