Chapter 4 — The Enigmatic Invitation

Cassandra Grey

Cassandra stepped out of the cab and into the shadowy embrace of the alleyway. The air hung heavy, thick with the mingling scents of damp masonry and the faint trace of burnt tobacco. She hesitated for a moment, her hand tightening on the strap of her bag, her breath clouding in the cold night air. The cryptic message replayed in her mind—"Come to The Black Chalice if you want answers." It could be a trap, a farce, or worse, yet here she was. Desperation had left her no choice.