CHAPTER SIXTY SEVEN –THE ARCANE SIGNS

Cassie strolled down the long hallway, trailing her fingers along the ornately carved banister as she went. Even after several weeks working at the von Steiner mansion, she still felt like an outsider peering into a world of opulence she could barely comprehend. As she neared the study, a strange symbol etched into the wooden panel of the door caught her eye. She paused, studying the intricate lines and curves. It almost looked like some sort of...rune? But surely the wealthy von Steiners wouldn't decorate with pagan symbols. She shook her head, dismissing it as her mind playing tricks. Cassie turned the handle and stepped inside the study, her heels clacking on the polished hardwood floors. Massive bookcases lined the walls, stuffed to the brim with ancient tomes and leather-bound volumes. In the center of the room, a heavy oak desk sat, its surface scattered with papers and an ornate bronze letter opener. As she began straightening the cluttered desk, something about the letter op