The island went quiet in a strange way after Jackson disappeared. It was not true silence. Music still played in the distant halls, and the waves still struck the shore. But the air felt tight, as if everyone was holding their breath.

Security searched the gardens. Staff moved quickly along the paths. Christiano’s voice echoed as he gave orders into his phone. Winona stood near the fountain, her hands pressed together so tightly her knuckles turned pale.

"He was just here," she whispered. ...