In the quiet town of Meadowgrove, rain drizzled down on cobblestone streets. The grand clock tower struck midnight, echoing through empty lanes. A shrill scream shattered the peace, then abruptly ceased. Lights flickered on in nearby homes, silhouettes peering out windows. A crumpled figure lay lifeless under the dim glow of a gas lamp. Blood trickled from a deep wound, pooling on the wet ground. Detective Edgar Stone, roused from sleep, hurriedly dressed for the grim scene. The victim's identity was unknown, but a peculiar mark etched onto their wrist. A mysterious note tucked in the victim's pocket hinted at a sinister plot.