Chapter 142 - The Weight of Surrender

​The fourth night of absolute isolation in the Tokyo residence began with the subtle, constant tapping of a gelid drizzle against the window glass. The sound, rhythmic and devoid of any ease, filtered into Aibek's bedroom like a persistent reminder of the outside world—an environment from which he had completely divorced himself ninety-six hours ago. The voluntary fast had exacted a devastating toll on his physical body: the skin of his face, usually of a healthy brunette paleness beneath the stadium lights, was now translucent and dull, marked by deep dark circles that gave his onyx eyes a sunken, mournful appearance.