The next morning, despite the lack of sleep, Arthur Havelock was determined to continue his investigation. After finding references to ancient rituals and strange symbols in the diary, he realized that the key to solving Lord Livingston's death may lie not only in family relations, but also in the mansion's past.

The sun was barely breaking through the dense clouds, illuminating the gloomy corridors of the ancient house, when Havelock headed for the library. It was one of the most impressive rooms in the mansion — tall wooden shelves filled with books went up to the ceiling, and in the center of the room stood a massive oak table littered with papers, inkwells and parchments. An antique globe, covered with dust, stood in the corner, as if watching every step taken in this room.

Lord Edmund Livingston, it turned out, was an avid collector of ancient manuscripts. His library was a veritable storehouse of knowledge and secrets, but among the countless volumes there was something more — something that could shed light on the events taking place in the house.

Havelock decided to start with those shelves that were closest to the lord's desk. If Livingston was looking for something important before his death, it could be right here. The detective's attention was immediately attracted by several books covered with dust, but with obvious signs of frequent use.

One of the volumes was particularly noteworthy. It was an old book about the ancient rituals and cults of Europe, and there was a strange seal stamped on its cover, which Arthur had already seen in Lord Livingston's diary. This symbol resembled the drawing of the ring found in the lord's room.

When Havelock opened the book, his eyes ran over the first lines:

*"The power of ancient symbols and relics extends through the ages. They connect souls and minds, create bonds as indissoluble as time. Power belongs only to those who are able to understand the true nature of these objects."*

Havelock was immediately alarmed by these words. The book talked about secret societies using ancient artifacts to achieve their goals, including to control people and, possibly, to gain power over life and death. Arthur was flipping through the pages where various symbols and rituals were mentioned when his gaze stopped at the image of the ring — it was almost identical to the one found in the room of the murdered lord.

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"The Ring of Eternity," read the caption under the image. According to legend, this ring had mystical properties. It was believed that it connected the owner with the spirit world, allowing him not only to communicate with the dead, but also to control their will. Lord Livingston obviously knew about this ring and may have been looking for ways to use it.

As Havelock delved into the study of ancient texts, several possible scenarios began to take shape in front of him. He realized that Lord Livingston could be obsessed with the idea of control and power, both in business and personal relationships. Perhaps his interest in occult practices and secret rituals was related to the desire to maintain control over his family or even his enemies. This, in turn, opened up a whole new layer of motives for his murder.

But was this ring really a magical artifact, as it was described in the legends? Havelock was a man of science and logic, but the encounter with unexplained phenomena in this house increasingly pushed him to the idea that there was something in the world beyond rational explanation.

He wondered if Lord Livingston was actually conducting some kind of rituals or trying to use the ring for personal purposes, it could provoke not only his family members, but also those who were connected with his past. Perhaps his murder was not only a matter of money or power, but also an attempt to stop something much darker.

Further research into Lord Livingstone's books and papers led to a new find. Among the many papers on his desk, Havelock found a handwritten letter. The letter was not completed, but it spoke of a certain "Order of Eternal Light" that offered Lord Livingston its help in researching artifacts and ancient knowledge.

The Order of Eternal Light—it sounded ominous. Havelock had never heard of such a society before, but the name indicated some kind of mystical organization. Perhaps it was these people who gave the lord access to information about the ring and rituals. But why didn't the lord finish the letter? And what exactly did he want to discuss with this Order?

With each new fact, the investigation became more complicated. Now it featured not only the Livingston family and their motives, but also some external forces that could be involved in what was happening.

Returning to the family circle, Havelock decided to carefully find out what the rest of the family knew about the lord's secret interests. At dinner, he turned to Mr. Harold, the eldest son, who seemed to be the most hurt by his father's death.

"Mr. Livingston," Havelock began, pausing to see his reaction, "have you ever heard of the Order of Eternal Light?"

Harold froze for a moment, his hand tightening slightly on his fork. It was an almost imperceptible reaction, but Arthur caught it.

"No," Harold said shortly, avoiding the detective's gaze. — What are you talking about anyway?

"You see, I found some notes in your father's library. It seems that he was involved in the research of ancient artifacts and... perhaps rituals," Arthur purposely left the phrase unfinished.

This information clearly alarmed Harold, but he continued to remain silent, which only increased Havelock's suspicions. Family secrets began to creep out, and with each new step, the detective plunged deeper into the tangled tangle of mysteries.

Now Arthur knew one thing: the ring found in the lord's room could be the key not only to revealing his death, but also to darker and more dangerous forces that could threaten not only the Livingstons, but also everyone who was in this house.