The modern master bedroom within the black box space was entirely silent, save for the rhythmic, mechanical hum of the central air conditioning system.
A soft, artificial dawn glowed from the recessed LED panels in the ceiling, casting a pristine, sterile light over the massive king-sized bed.
Lin Wan slowly opened her eyes. The sharp, blinding agony that had violently ripped through her abdomen hours ago had finally faded into a dull, heavy throb.
Her internal energy channels, though thoroughly drained, felt stable and securely anchored.
The cold, unyielding stone walls she had constructed around her heart remained firmly intact, but her physical body was still paying the heavy toll of an elite agent who had just pushed herself past the limits of human biology.
She shifted slightly, intending to push herself up against the plush headboard, but her movements were instantly halted.
