Smoke and Scold

The morning sun filtered through the blinds as Brendon leaned against the kitchen counter, biting into a dry piece of toast.

Christopher appeared from the hallway, already dressed and looking slightly tense.

"Eat quickly," he said, checking his watch. "We've got places to be."

Brendon raised an eyebrow. "Where?"

Christopher exhaled. "First stop — hospital."

Brendon groaned. "You've got to be kidding me."

"You got assaulted last night. You may feel fine, but we need a full checkup to be sure. If there's really any internal damage—"

"I've been through worse, before."

"I don't care. You're not bulletproof as Superman in those movies."

Brendon took another bite, chewing slowly. "Okay.... and after that?"

Christopher hesitated. "We're visiting the Directeur Général of the French National Police."

Brendon stopped chewing. "Wait. That woman.... what her was?.... Annie Renneté, right?"

Christopher nodded grimly. "I told her about what happened yesterday. Ypu know it's my job to keep her updated about this whole deal. She wants to speak to you in person about your... unauthorized field trip."

Brendon smirked. "So I'm getting a scolding or what?"

Christopher rolled his eyes. "Fortunately we're both getting only a scolding. You for sneaking out, me for being stupid enough to let it happen. Twice."

Brendon shrugged. "To be fair, you're not that stupid."

"Thanks," Christopher muttered, clearly unamused.

---

Later – Saint Lucien Memorial Hospital

Brendon sat shirtless on the examination table, his expression blank as doctors and nurses moved around him, murmuring to each other.

One nurse glanced at the chart. "Blood pressure normal... bone density off the charts..."

"Muscle structure denser than average anthros," another said, squinting at the scan.

"He's got a cracked rib, but the tissue's already starting to reinforce," the doctor muttered. "No signs of serious trauma. This is a remarkable recovery rate."

Brendon yawned. "Are we done yet?"

The doctor blinked. "You're healing at a speed. I've only read about in hybrid anomaly reports. Are you some kind of athlete?"

Christopher, leaning against the wall, crossed his arms. "I've been wondering that myself."

Brendon hopped down from the table. "Nope. Just a guy with a rough upbringing."

They stepped out into the hallway, and Christopher gave him a sideways glance. "You were raised in a jungle or something?"

Brendon smirked. "Close. Concrete jungle."

---

Later – Annie Renneté's Residence, Versailles

The grand manor stood dignified, surrounded by neat hedges and security drones drifting in the air like quiet sentinels. Christopher led Brendon through a side entrance and into a regal study where books lined every wall and the scent of lemon polish hung in the air.

Annie Renneté stood by the fireplace, a tall, sharp-eyed woman in her forties with a presence that silenced a room before she even spoke.

Her eyes landed on Christopher. "You."

Christopher froze. "Yes, ma'am."

She crossed her arms. "Would you like to explain to me how your subject managed to vanish from a locked apartment? Twice?"

Brendon, seated near the bookshelf, stifled a chuckle.

Christopher sighed. "It's... actually complicated."

"I'll bet," Annie said coolly. "You're lucky he wasn't found dead in a gutter. That would've been your name plastered across the headlines."

Brendon raised a hand. "If it helps, I'm very good at not dying."

Annie turned her attention to him. "So you're at your unconventional and infamous works again Mr. Wolf. There are very few who slipped past our security measures like it was a birthday party. So tell me how did you escaped from Mr. Canessane's apartment?"

Brendon smirked. "I had hairpins."

"Hairpins?"

Christopher groaned softly.

Annie studied him for a moment. "So you're really skilled enough to be a thief as you bio says, huh?"

Brendon leaned back in the chair. "Used to be. Long time ago in London."

"Well, consider this your final warning," she said, her tone turning hard. "You violate protocols again, and I'll have you in a cell so fast, your enhanced reflexes won't even catch it."

Brendon raised his hands. "Understood."

Annie's posture shifted slightly. "Now. The attack. I want every detail."

Christopher and Brendon filled her in — Brendon reciting the moment he entered the alley, the sudden strike, the choking attempt, and the torn fabric.

She listened silently, eyes sharp. When they finished, she asked one question.

"Do you think it was the killer?"

Brendon's eyes met hers. "Not sure yet. But I'll find out. Whoever's behind this… they're either mocking us or trying to hijack the narrative. Either way, they'll slip."

Annie nodded. "Good. Then do what you need to. But no more games, Mr. Wolf. You either cooperate, or you will get caged."

"I've been in cages before, ma'am," he said. "And I have to say I am not a fan of it."

---

Outside – Late Afternoon

They walked slowly down the marble steps of Annie's manor. The sun filtered through the trees, gold melting into green.

Christopher glanced over. "Why didn't you tell her about the copycat theory?"

Brendon's expression turned thoughtful. "Because I'm not certain. There are loose some ends. If I open my mouth too soon, we may chase ghosts instead of facts."

Christopher nodded slowly. "Fair enough."

Brendon pulled a cigarette from his pocket and lit it with a casual flick. He took a deep drag, letting the smoke curl from his nose.

Christopher's eyes widened. He checked his coat pocket.

Empty.

"Wait... where are my cigarettes?"

Brendon raised an eyebrow. "I didn't know you were a smoker."

Christopher stared at him. "How did you—?"

Brendon held up the pack. "Dark art of pickpocket."

Christopher rubbed his forehead. "You're gonna give me a heart attack."

Brendon exhaled smoke and looked up at the sky.

"It's been a year," he said quietly.

Christopher looked over. "Since what?"

Brendon's eyes didn't move. "Since I had this feeling. The edge. That itch under the skin like something's about to explode. Like the whole world's teetering."

Christopher stayed silent.

Brendon took another long drag. "Feels like the dark past is starting to wake up."

The cigarette hissed in the quiet breeze.

---

📢 Writer's Note – Temporary Hiatus Announcement

Dear readers,

Thank you all for your continued support and enthusiasm for the novel. I wanted to inform you that the story will be going on a short one-month hiatus and will resume on 7th July.

As a university student, I have my end semester exams starting from 9th June, and I need this time to focus on my studies and prepare well. I truly appreciate your understanding and patience during this period.

Looking forward to returning with fresh chapters and renewed energy!

Warm regards,

Sanu_Das_4848