The Shadow Over Redwood

By Elizabeth Morrow

"The Shadow Over Redwood" delves into the heart of an ancient forest where darkness lurks beneath the towering canopy of redwoods. Lydia Marsh, a determined academic, stumbles upon a mysterious tome that reveals the existence of a secret society and an age-old ritual linked to the university's founding. As supernatural disturbances unsettle the campus, Lydia, alongside her allies Dr. Julian Blackwood and Cassandra Vale, embarks on a perilous quest to uncover the truth. They must navigate a web of ancient rituals, shadowy figures, and mystical symbols to restore balance and confront the entity threatening their world. Set against the backdrop of a university shrouded in mystery, this tale weaves together elements of dark academia, supernatural mystery, and ancient lore, inviting readers on a thrilling journey into the unknown.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Infinite Horizons Publishing
• Release date: Mar 3, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224266395

Book preview

The Shadow Over Redwood

Guardians of the Veil: A Journey Beyond the Shadows

Elizabeth Morrow

Copyright © 2024 by Elizabeth Morrow

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any form whatsoever without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations in critical articles or reviews.

Contents

1. An Ominous Discovery

2.Shadows Stir

3. Into the Depths

4.Whispers in the Dark

5.The Secret Society

6. A Trail Through the Woods

7.The Gathering Storm

8.Revelations

9.The Shadowy Figure

10.The Ritual Unveiled

11.Confrontation in the Forest

12.Dawn Breaks

Chapter one

An Ominous Discovery

Professor Lydia Marsh stood at the entrance of Redwood University's rare book library, a repository of ancient texts and manuscripts. The air was thick with the scent of aged paper and leather, a testament to the centuries of knowledge housed within these walls. Lydia, with her keen interest in ancient languages and cultures, often found herself drawn to this quiet corner of the campus.

Today, however, her visit was driven by more than mere curiosity. A colleague had mentioned a recent acquisition, a tome of unknown origin, that had yet to be cataloged. Intrigued by the possibility of an undiscovered artifact, Lydia navigated the labyrinthine aisles, her footsteps muffled by the dense carpet.

As she reached the section housing the new arrivals, she scanned the shelves, her gaze landing on a volume that seemed out of place among its peers. This book, bound in dark leather, lacked any title or author's name. Lydia reached out, her fingers tracing the cover's strange texture, feeling an inexplicable chill run down her spine.

She carefully opened the book, the pages creaking under her touch. The script was unlike anything she had seen before, a complex interweaving of symbols and letters that hinted at a language long forgotten. Lydia's heart raced with excitement. This could be the discovery of a lifetime.

Finding everything alright, Professor Marsh? The voice belonged to Mr. Walters, the library's curator, who approached her with a look of mild curiosity.

Lydia closed the book, her excitement tempered by the need for caution. Yes, thank you, Mr. Walters. This time, however, it's not like the others. Can you tell me where it came from?

Mr. Walters adjusted his glasses, peering at the book with a mix of recognition and unease. Ah, that one. It arrived last month, part of an estate donation from a former alumnus. Odd thing, though, there were no records with it, no provenance to speak of.

Lydia's interest deepened. A book of unknown origins, containing a potentially ancient script, was exactly the mystery that thrilled her. May I borrow it? I'd like to study it more closely.

After a moment's hesitation, Mr. Walters nodded. Of course, Professor. But be careful, there's a feeling about that book. Gives some of the staff the creeps.

Lydia chuckled, a sound that seemed too loud in the library's quiet. I'm sure it's just the age and mystery of it. Thank you, Mr. Walters.

With the tome securely under her arm, Lydia left the library, her mind abuzz with possibilities. The script was her first challenge; deciphering it could unlock the secrets held within the pages. She decided to start her research that very evening, unable to wait any longer.

Back in her office, Lydia set the tome on her desk, the room lit only by the soft glow of her desk lamp. She opened the book once more, taking a moment to appreciate the craftsmanship before diving into the challenge of translation.

Hours passed as Lydia worked, the symbols gradually beginning to make sense as she pieced together the puzzle of the language. The text spoke of a ritual, one of great power and danger, tied to the very foundations of Redwood University.

As Lydia leaned back in her chair, rubbing her tired eyes, she realized the enormity of her discovery. This tome wasn't just an academic curiosity; it was a window into the university's dark past, a past that had been carefully obscured.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. Surprised, Lydia glanced at the clock, noting the late hour. Come in,