Chapter 1 - Year One: The Arrival

**The Feast of Shadows**

Evelyn was the heart of Ashford, a charming village nestled among undulating hills and ancient forests. At five feet two inches, her stature was unassuming, yet she carried herself with a serene elegance that captivated those around her. Her days were devoted to the meticulous craft of needlework, the steady rhythm of her sewing machine harmonizing with the soft rustle of fabrics as she created beautiful garments. However, it was Evelyn's remarkable hair that truly set her apart—a luxurious, ebony mane that cascaded down her back, reaching far beyond the floor. Each morning, she artfully styled it into an intricate updo, accentuating her graceful neckline and delicate features, while keeping it practical for her daily endeavors.

Evelyn moved with a natural grace that earned her admiration from villagers of all ages. Children often gathered to watch her skillfully manage her hair, the dark strands glistening in the sunlight like polished obsidian. Local legends held that her hair was a symbol of luck and prosperity, a belief Evelyn quietly cherished. Beneath her composed exterior, however, she longed for deeper connections—friendship and love—that she seldom acknowledged, even to herself. Memories of joyous evenings with friends and the warmth of a comforting embrace often lingered in her quiet moments, leaving her with a subtle emptiness she struggled to fill.

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### **Year One: The Arrival**

One twilight evening, as Ashford basked in the soft hues of dusk and stars began to emerge, an enigmatic carriage rolled into the village. Its ebony wheels and ornate frame were adorned with intricate carvings of mythical creatures and shifting symbols that seemed to dance in the fading light. Pulled by horses as dark as the night itself, the carriage came to a halt in the village square. A man stepped out, cloaked in deep velvet that seemed to swallow the surrounding light. His wide-brimmed hat concealed his eyes, and a sophisticated mask shaped like a raven’s beak framed his face, feathers catching the last rays of daylight. His presence was both graceful and commanding, casting a palpable unease over the gathered villagers.

The crowd watched in hushed anticipation, a mix of hope and fear thick in the air. The stranger stood tall, his intense gaze holding everyone's attention. Ashford had been struggling with poor harvests and persistent hunger, leaving its people desperate for relief.

"I offer you prosperity," he declared, his voice smooth yet unsettling, echoing through the silent square. "A solution to your hardships. Every night, a sumptuous feast will be provided—abundant and nourishing. In return, I require a willing participant to fulfill a unique role."

"How can you possibly do that?" one villager exclaimed. "Get out of here, you are a snake oil salesman!" another yelled, and similar chants erupted from the crowd.

"Enough!" the masked man spoke deeply and calmly, raising his hands outward to the crowd. "My family has suffered greatly due to famine, just as you all have. My daughter, she..." He paused, gathering his thoughts before continuing, "I have made a pact with a powerful entity beyond this world; they have granted me the means to end this famine for all of you. However, it requires an unfathomable sacrifice from one individual." The crowd fell silent, their attention fully captured. "Observe a demonstration of this power." The masked man extended his hands, and the air around them began to shimmer with purple strands and bubbles, slowly forming an enormous loaf of bread before vanishing as quickly as it appeared.

"It's a miracle!" one villager exclaimed.

"But as soon as the bread materialized, it disappeared," the masked man explained. "I can provide you with unending nourishment, but one must bear the cost to seal the agreement. This is what I offer."

Faced with ongoing scarcity, the villagers found his promise tempting. After a tense discussion filled with anxious whispers, they selected Evelyn. Her compassion and resilience made her the ideal candidate to lead them toward better times. Wearing a modest yet elegant gown that accentuated her slender frame, Evelyn stepped forward, a mixture of fear and hope evident in her eyes, her dark hair flowing gracefully behind her.

"Do I accept?" she asked softly, her voice trembling with uncertainty.

The villagers nodded collectively, their trust and desperation clear.

Evelyn took a deep breath, her mind racing with doubts and possibilities. *Is this truly the only way?* she pondered. She glanced at the masked man, searching for any sign of deceit, but his expression remained inscrutable.

"Do you accept?" the stranger repeated, his eyes never leaving hers.

**"I accept,"** Evelyn replied, her voice steadier as determination took hold. Memories of her mother's teachings about courage and sacrifice fortified her resolve. She believed that accepting this role would bring prosperity to Ashford, unaware of the dark path ahead.

As the crowd dispersed, Evelyn lingered, her thoughts restless. She vowed to herself that she would seek answers and protect her village, no matter the cost. A young boy approached her, his eyes wide with admiration. "Thank you, Evelyn. We'll all support you."

Her heart softened at his words, but the weight of her decision pressed heavily on her shoulders.

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