The first light of the morning was already stretching across the capital by the time Brandon stepped out onto the terrace.
He was wearing a loose black shirt, left half unbuttoned, and a pair of dark pants.
The cool morning air brushed against his skin as he walked barefoot to the railing.
He brought a cigarette to his lips, cupped his hand against the breeze, and lit it with a quiet click of the lighter.
The tip glowed orange.
Brandon took a long, slow drag, letting the smoke fill his lungs before releasing it in a thin, controlled stream that drifted out over the city.
He rested both forearms on the cool metal railing and smoked in silence.
The cigarette burned steadily between his fingers.
Ash gathered at the tip before he tapped it over the edge, watching the gray flakes scatter into the wind.
With another exhale of the smoke, his gaze drifted toward the sky 'Marzella...'
Brandon lowered his gaze to the cigarette between his fingers.
