THE SHADOW OF THE ROOM enveloped Rocco, where he still lay recovering from the coma that had imprisoned him all this time. Beside him, a nurse, a presence hired by Kenji Ito, monitored every heartbeat of Rocco, attentive to signs of his recovery. Ellis Barker's figure entered the silent space, and the atmosphere, laden with mystery, hung like a shadow.

Ellis approached the bed where Rocco lay, a discreet smile adorning her lips. “Rocco, do you know who I am?” she asked, her soft ...