Chapter 8: Chapter 8 – Blank‑Slate Exile

Evelyn blinked against the harsh fluorescent light, her head heavy as though she’d woken inside a drum. She sat up in the narrow hospital bed, linen crisp and unfamiliar against her skin. A soft ping sounded from the heart‑rate monitor. Steady. Familiar yet distant.

“Good morning, Dr. Larkin.” A woman’s voice, calm and controlled. Evelyn turned to see Aria Shen in a tailored lab coat, brows drawn together in concern. “How do you feel?”

Evelyn searched her mind. **Dr. Larkin…** The name tasted foreign. She frowned. “I—where am I?”

Aria’s lips curved gently. “Zurich University Medical Center, Neuro‑Tech Wing. You’ve been in recovery for three days after your… procedure.”

Evelyn’s heart jerked. A “procedure.” She ran a hand over her head; sticky bandages hugged her scalp. “Recovery… procedure?” Her voice sounded clipped, unfamiliar to her own ears.