The New York sky, washed in shades of gray, signaled the early arrival of night. A cold wind sliced between the buildings like blades while the city lights flicked on one by one, bringing life to skyscraper windows and to the distracted eyes of hurried pedestrians on the sidewalks.

High above, in a sleek hotel suite, the room where Zoe was staying radiated comfort and modernity. The heating kept the space warm, a sharp contrast to the icy world outside. She sat curled in an armchair by the wind