Suzanne sensed an otherworldly presence claiming her soul, and her grandmother's voice startled her. "Stay here, listen to him," grandmother urged, her eyes now sharp and lucid, a stark contrast to her usual foggy state. In that instant, Suzanne believed her grandmother's mind was crystal clear. Clasping Suzanne's hand tenderly, the elder woman delicately opened her granddaughter's palm, exposing a mysterious black mark. As grandmother's narrowed eyes followed the outline, her finger traced the symbol with a knowing touch. "This," she said, pointing, "marks you with the beast's烙印."
