NABC Chapter 39: In the Details
Chapter 39: In the Details
Chapter 39: In the DetailsThe flickering light from the screen cast sharp shadows across the walls. I sat in the dimly lit police archive room, the scent of stale coffee and dust settling around me. The officer had granted me access to the footage, but I could tell he was skeptical. To them, Sasha was already guilty. But I wasn't after easy answers—I was after the truth.
The video file loaded.
[Observation (Lv. 5) Activated]
I scanned the screens, my heart still steady,
One of them, or both.
I didn't know their endgame yet, but I was going to find out.
The screen dimmed as I closed the file. The case wasn't over, but my part—at least for tonight—was.
Sasha was in custody. The police could handle her now.
The walk home felt heavier than usual.
The air was cold, crisp, carrying the distant scent of burning leaves from some late-night bonfire. The city was quieter at this hour, the usual hum of traffic replaced by the occasional distant siren.
My apartment was just as I left it—dimly lit, quiet. The weight of the mask pressed against my face as I locked the door behind me.
And then, finally, I pulled it off.
A slow breath.
And just like that, I was Reynard Vale again.
I ran a hand through my hair, muscles uncoiling, the tension that came with being Mr. Dust slipping away.
Not gone completely. It never really left. But it was quieter.
A gentle rustling noise drew my eye, and I looked over to find Sienna nestled on the couch, her blanket wrapped around her like a cocoon.
She blinked at me with drowsy eyes, stretching her arms and letting out a tiny yawn. "You're returned later than usual."
I exhaled deeply, taking a seat next to her. "Yeah. Long Night."
She moved, edging nearer until her head leaned against my shoulder. "You have the scent of trouble."
I huffed a quiet laugh. "Do I?"
"Mm." She cuddled into the material of my jacket, her heat flowing into me. "You give off the vibe that you're about to act recklessly."
I didn't respond immediately. Simply allow the silence to linger between us.
Sienna was among the rare individuals who kept me grounded, who made me realize that beneath the roles, jobs, and changing identities, I was still a person.
For a brief time, I allowed myself to simply be. No cases, no fires, no names whispered like ghosts in the dark.
Just Reynard Vale.
Just home.
Then, softly—
"Hey, Rey?"
I glanced down at her.
She was staring up at me now, her brow slightly furrowed, hesitation flickering behind her eyes.
Like she wanted to ask something.
Something important.
I stayed still. Waiting.
She swallowed. Then—
"Can I ask you something?"