The city of Ashbourne gears up for the 'Festival of Whispers,' a centuries-old tradition that serves as a veiled gathering for 'The Obsidian Hand,' infusing the city with an undercurrent of heightened tension and secrecy, amplifying Isabella's awareness of the society's pervasive presence. A prominent banner for the festival features a stylized raven and serpent intertwined – the undeniable symbol of The Obsidian Hand, displayed openly for those who know how to see.