```python
def trace_parcel(events: list) -> list:
    if not isinstance(events, list):
        raise ValueError("Input must be a list")

    states = ["created"]
    for event in events:
        if event not in ["packed", "shipped", "delivered", "returned"]:
            raise ValueError(f"Invalid event: {event}")

        if event == "packed":
            states.append("packed")
        elif event == "shipped":
            states.append("shipped")
        elif event == "delivered":
            states.append("delivered")
        elif event == "returned":
            states.append("returned")

    return states
```