Unlike any ordinary book, this volume produces writing on nearby paper when touched by human hands and compels people to speak the truth. After being hired by collector Karim Benabbou to study it, Selene meets Yasir, a street vendor who can "hear" the book's whispers, and confronts Marwan El Idrissi, a powerful collector obsessed with obtaining it. As Selene investigates, she discovers the book is an ancient "Vessel" that reveals suppressed truths and can physically manifest memories people try to hide. When El Idrissi kidnaps Benabbou, Selene and Yasir use the book to force El Idrissi to confront his darkest secret—allowing his father to die for inheritance. The manifestation breaks El Idrissi, who releases them.