The day started like any other day for Solstice D. Grimm. The sun was just rising, casting a warm glow through her bedroom window. Solstice, a university student majoring in art and history, lived in a beautiful house in Toronto. Coming from a wealthy family, she was used to a life of comfort but sought excitement and meaning in her studies.
After a quick breakfast, Solstice grabbed her backpack and headed out to the bus stop. She could see students milling around, chatting and laughing before school. Though she was well-liked, Solstice preferred to keep to herself. Her mind was often wandering to the world of art and history, imagining herself in the past, surrounded by famous artists and their masterpieces.
Classes went by in a blur. She listened to her professor talk about ancient art while drawing sketches in her notebook, her mind competing between the subject at hand and her love for creating. After class, she met her friend Mia at the coffee shop for a quick chat before heading to her part-time job at a local art gallery.
Mia was always eager to share the latest gossip from the university. "Did you hear about the new exhibit opening next week?" she asked, excitement radiating from her.
"Yeah, I can't wait to see it," Solstice replied, forcing a smile. As much as she appreciated Mia's enthusiasm, she was distracted by an uneasy feeling deep inside her.
After work, while she was cleaning up, Solstice felt her phone buzz. It was a call from her grandmother, Lucy D. Grimm. Her heart raced; they hadn't talked much since her last visit to the cottage years ago. "Hello? Grandma?" Solstice answered, trying to hide her surprise.
"Solstice, my dear," her grandmother's voice came through, shaky and urgent. "You must come to the cottage. There's something important I need to tell you."
The line went silent for a moment before Lucy continued, "You've been chosen, my dear. It's time."
"What do you mean?" Solstice asked, a chill running down her spine.
"I can't explain now. Just come as soon as you can. Remember, the attic study is where it all began," Lucy said before the call cut off.
Solstice stood there, frozen. Words swirled in her mind, but she couldn't focus. Chosen? What could that mean? The attic study was a place she loved when she was a child. It was filled with old books, mysterious maps, and her grandmother was always telling stories of their family line. After her grandmother's strange message, she felt a mix of curiosity and nervousness.
With a determined heart, she decided to visit the cottage. That night, she packed a small bag and drove down a winding, dark road towards the cottage that had once felt like a second home. The drive was lonely, surrounded by thick trees and shadows.
When she finally arrived, the cottage was just as she remembered. The wooden structure stood proudly against the night sky. However, the moment she stepped inside, a cold breeze swept over her, making her shiver.
"Lucy?" she called, her voice echoing in the empty halls.
She walked towards the attic, each step filled with memories of laughter and stories shared with her grandmother. As she reached the door, she hesitated. The door was slightly ajar, and an eerie light flickered inside.
Pushing the door open, Solstice stepped into the study. It looked almost untouched, just as she had left it. Books lined the shelves, and the air was filled with the scent of old paper. But as she turned, she noticed her grandmother sitting at the desk, an old book open before her. Lucy looked up with wide eyes.
"Solstice, you've come. Time is running out!" her grandmother exclaimed.
"Running out? What do you mean?"
Lucy motioned for her to sit. "In our family, the women have always held a secret. A power we've inherited. You, my dear, are the last in line. It's time to unlock it."
"What kind of power?" Solstice asked, feeling both excited and frightened.
"This book holds the key," Lucy said, pointing to the open pages. "It speaks of our ancestors and the gifts they had. But it also warns of a darkness that comes for the heir."
Just then, a loud crash sounded outside, shaking the cottage. Solstice jumped to her feet. "What was that?"
"It's here!" her grandmother shouted, her eyes filled with fear.
Instinctively, Solstice grabbed the book, clutching it tightly. Suddenly, shadows flickered against the walls, dancing around them like angry spirits. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest.
"Run, Solstice! You need to get the book to safety!" Lucy cried, her voice shaking.
Without thinking, Solstice bolted out of the attic, down the stairs, and into the dark night. She could hear the whispers of the shadows behind her, growing louder, more frantic.
"You are chosen, Solstice!" her grandmother's voice echoed in her mind along with a new realization. Whatever mysteries lay ahead, Solstice knew she had to face them. In that moment of fear, she felt a spark of strength within her.
As she sprinted toward the forest, determined to unlock the secrets of her family, she glanced back. Shadows swirled behind her, but she could feel the power of the book in her hands. It was the beginning of something extraordinary, and she was ready for whatever came next. Right now it was time to run for he life.