Stirring Shadows

Seraphina found herself back in the comfort of her home, clutching the urns containing the cremated remains of her parents. Their mysterious demise during an archaeological quest had left her with an unsettling void. The group that commissioned the quest added to the mystery, appearing elusive and suspicious.

Misfortune seemed to have become an unwelcome companion in Seraphina's life, with a series of unfortunate events plaguing her. From falling victim to scams and losing her job to the recent loss of her parents, life had taken a dark turn. The turning point seemed to be a peculiar package that arrived about a month ago from the distant lands of Africa.

Inside the package lay a cryptic artifact – a book with a peculiar combination of metallic and skin-covered surfaces. Despite Seraphina's attempts, the book adamantly refused to open, adding another layer to the growing enigma surrounding her existence. She decided to keep the mysterious tome hidden in a compartment within her father's study, a sanctuary of memories now tainted by the shadows of the recent events.

As Seraphina delved into contemplation over the strange book, the doorbell rang, shattering the solitude of her thoughts. Checking the CCTV display, she observed stern-looking men dressed in ominous black suits. Claiming to be from a bureau, they requested a moment of her time for follow-up questions regarding her parents.

Once inside, it became apparent that their interest extended beyond the circumstances of her parents' death. Instead, they seemed fixated on any potential inheritance left behind. Tensions escalated as the men, shedding their facade of official inquiries, grew physically aggressive. They combed through her home, seizing notes, and turning it upside down.

In the midst of the chaos, Seraphina, pushed to the ground, collided with the table's edge, losing consciousness. As she woke up, disoriented and in pain, the study was ablaze. The room that once held cherished memories of her parents was now consumed by flames, echoing the turmoil within her.

Unbeknownst to her, as she lay injured and trapped, her blood flowed into the hidden compartment, a strange bloody pentagram on the book's cover began to illuminate. The book, now absorbing the essence of her life force, cast eerie shadows that began to stir within its pages.