He traced its outline in the dark, the raised ink a map of his captivity. It wasn't just ink; it was his faith, his curse

d with the ghost of a melody he could no longer play, h

s assistant, Sarah Jenk

t," Sarah said, her voice professional but her eyes holding a t

going," N

her tone apologetic. She left a bla

e was no poi

ily knew his body better than he did. He looked in the mirror and saw

tists, and executives mingled, their laughter and chatter a dull roar in Noah's

ng him as her "most brilliant protégé." People looked at him with a mixture of curiosity

avid' s hand was on the small of her back, his smile triumphant. Emily looked radiant, laughing

jealousy, not anymore. It was a profound sense of

ng the city. The cool night air was a small relief. He clo

ere young, full of dreams. She was sketching a logo for their band on a napkin, her eyes bright with excitement. "We'r

ainst the harsh reality of the present. The beautiful, hopeful girl from his

ut here a

rned to see David leaning against

David?" Noah aske

ed. He took a sip of his drink, his eyes scanning Noah's frail frame. "

r. He just wanted

versational, but his words were laced with poison. "Talks about

light tremor in his hands, a tell-tale sign of the d

akes? You should be careful, Noah. A musicia

mine now. You had your chance and you blew it. Y

, as if he'd tripped, and his drink sloshed forw

ith a fake apology, but his e

h said, his voice flat as he looked down at the da

ce rising, loud enough for people nearby

s planned, Emily appeared in the doorway of the balco