After the disturbing conversation with Harold, Havelock felt that he was close to solving the puzzle, but each new detail only complicated the puzzle. The found ring and the mention of the mysterious Order of Eternal Light only added a gloomy halo to what was happening. It was necessary to unravel the meaning of the symbols associated with these objects as quickly as possible.

Havelock returned to the library, hoping that further study of the ancient books would bring new answers. He took up the manuscripts anew, trying to understand the meaning of every detail. The pages of the books were full of symbols, each of which was mysterious and disturbing. Many of them looked like the ones engraved on the ring.

One symbol resembling crossed crescents turned out to be particularly interesting. He was often found in various sources related to ancient rituals. According to legend, this sign symbolized the cycles of life and death, the management of destinies. Havelock realized that the ring carried something more than just an ornament. It was part of a ritual used by Lord Livingston.

Havelock took a piece of paper and began sketching the symbols, making notes next to them. He needed to connect these signs with what he already knew about Livingston and his death. As he worked intently, a growing sense of anxiety squeezed his chest. The house seemed to be getting more tense by the hour, as if the mansion itself was hiding something.

As Havelock continued his research, he came across another curious detail. In the records associated with the ring, a certain society was mentioned — a secret circle that was engaged in the study of ancient artifacts. This society included rich and influential people who craved immortality and power. The name— the Order of Eternal Light—was mentioned over and over again.

But what if one of the members of this Order was among those present in the mansion?

While Havelock was lost in thought, there was a knock on the library door. It was the butler, Mr. Carson. His face seemed agitated.

"Mr. Havelock, you should take a look at this," his voice trembled.

Carson handed the detective a small, tattered piece of paper. It was part of a letter found in Lord Livingston's belongings, and it bore the same crescent moon sign that Havelock had just studied in books. But even more disturbing was the name signed at the bottom of the letter: "Margaret."

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— Margaret? Havelock said aloud. "Are you sure it was among the Lord's things?"

Carson nodded.

Margaret Livingston, the widow of a lord, has become an unexpected new suspect. Her name on the letter meant that she could be connected with her husband's secret research and the Order. But if she was really involved, what was her role? Perhaps it was more than just knowledge. She could be an active participant in mysteries that Havelock was just beginning to guess at.

With new suspicions on his mind, Havelock decided to interrogate Margaret. The widow was in her room, locked up after dinner. When Havelock entered, he noticed her anxious state: She was sitting by the window, looking out at the raging sea. The thudding of the waves on the rocks increased the sense of impending threat.

—Lady Livingston,— Havelock began, holding the letter in his hands. "May I ask what this symbol means?"

Margaret paled at the sight of the letter, but quickly pulled herself together.

"This is my late husband's personal business," she said without looking away. — You have no right to interfere.

— I have every reason to believe that this symbol and your name in the letter may be connected with his death. What are you hiding?

Margaret tried to remain calm, but her voice trembled slightly.

"I'm not hiding anything, Mr. Havelock. My husband ... He was passionate about ancient sciences, as you probably already realized. But it was his personal passion, not my business.

— However, your name is mentioned in the context of the study of these symbols. The Order of Eternal Light," Havelock continued. — I found evidence that your husband was involved with him. Have you been in this circle too?

Margaret froze. Silence fell in the room, and the detective felt that he would soon receive the long-awaited answer.

—Maybe," she finally said, with a quiet desperation in her voice. "But I... had nothing to do with what happened." Edmund was obsessed, and I couldn't stop him. He believed that this order would give him something more than just knowledge... He thought he would become immortal.

After talking with Margaret, Havelock realized that the secret of the Order of Eternal Light could have penetrated deeply into this family. Now the widow, who previously seemed to be a inconsolable woman, has become a key figure, and possibly a participant in the murder.

However, analyzing the new evidence, the detective could not exclude other suspects. Lord Livingston was clearly associated with dangerous people who could see his research as a threat to their interests. Perhaps one of the members of the order decided to eliminate him in order to avoid further risks.

Havelock also thought about Harold's role. The look he noticed during dinner could indicate that the eldest son was also involved in this story. But his role was not completely clear — maybe he was trying to protect his mother, or, conversely, was looking for benefits from his father's death.

Havelock now had a more complicated tangle of suspicions. And each of the participants in this mysterious case could have been involved in the rituals that led to the tragedy.

At the end of this chapter, Havelock felt that he was close to revealing the motives and participants. But the more information he received, the more he felt that he was facing something much more dangerous than just greed or family intrigue. There were new discoveries ahead, and each of them could change the course of the investigation.

Arthur Havelock knew one thing: no one in this house was as simple as it seemed at first glance, and behind every mask there was a deep inner conflict.