The Invisible Guardian

When the naked body of a teenage girl is discovered on the banks of the River Baztán, it marks the beginning of a disturbing series of events. The initial discovery is quickly linked to a similar murder that occurred a month earlier, intensifying the urgency of the investigation. The small village of Elizondo, nestled in the Basque region, becomes the epicenter of speculation and fear. Rumors spread rapidly among the villagers, who are unsettled by the gruesome similarities between the cases.

The question that hangs heavily over the community is whether these murders are the work of a ritualistic killer or something rooted in local mythology. Some residents whisper about the basajaun, a creature from Basque mythology known as the 'invisible guardian.' This mythological entity, believed to protect the forests and nature, is often invoked in stories surrounding the crime scene. The idea of an ancestral myth intertwining with a real, present danger leaves the villagers unsettled and adds a layer of mysticism to the investigation.

Leading the inquiry is Inspector Amaia Salazar, an experienced detective with deep roots in the Basque country. Her return to her birthplace is marked by conflicting emotions — nostalgia, duty, and the haunting memories of her childhood. Amaia is tasked with untangling the tangled web of local superstitions, personal histories, and mounting evidence. Her familiarity with the region and its legends becomes an asset, but it also means confronting her own past and the unresolved conflicts that still linger there.

As Amaia delves deeper into the case, she encounters the weight of superstition and tradition that the villagers hold dear. These beliefs often influence how the community perceives the crimes, and some residents are reluctant to share crucial information, fearing repercussions or dismissing certain aspects as merely pagan legends. Amidst these challenges, Amaia must stay vigilant and maintain her focus on the evidence, even as she feels the oppressive presence of something darker lurking in the shadows.

The investigation uncovers more than just a serial killer; it reveals a terrible secret from Amaia’s childhood that threatens to jeopardize her career and her sanity. The dark history of the region, intertwined with local myths and personal trauma, creates a complex picture that Amaia must navigate carefully. As she gets closer to the truth, she begins to sense that the darkness in this case is not just human but something far more sinister, capable of defying explanation and lurking behind the veil of the visible world.