The Shadow's Grasp

Chapter one

Kassia Dixon was an exceptional child. From a very young age, it was clear that she possessed a natural gift. Whether it was solving complex mathematical equations in her head or effortlessly painting masterful works of art, Kassia’s brilliance exceeded the bounds of her age. However, there was one peculiar mystery that had followed her throughout her life, leaving her both perplexed and curious.

Every year on her birthday, Kassia would receive a beautifully written poem. The language was rich, the phrases elegant, and the vocabulary intricate. However, despite being an exceptionally gifted child, she could never decipher the true meaning behind these poems. Frustrated, she would attempt to understand the hidden messages within the verses, but always came up empty-handed. Instead of discarding them, as she was instructed to do, Kassia kept her collection of enigmatic poems locked away in a drawer.

As Kassia turned fifteen, she eagerly awaited her birthday, not only for the anticipation of another puzzle to unravel but also to mark her journey towards adulthood. The day arrived, and with it came a beautifully adorned envelope, sealed with crimson wax. Excitement coursed through Kassia's veins as she unfolded the paper and began to read.

However, to her astonishment, the language was different this time—entirely foreign to her. The once familiar poetic verses now seemed like an impenetrable barrier of obscure symbols. Undeterred, Kassia was determined to decode the message hidden within the words. She spent countless hours pouring over the pages, scanning books in various languages, and consulting with experts, all in vain.