Dressed for Death

Chapter 2 - Shadows of Suspicion

The discovery of the lifeless figure sent shockwaves through the assembled guests. The room fell into a tense silence, broken only by the howling wind that echoed through the corridors of Ravenwood Manor. Rook, his mind already racing with possibilities, began to assess the grim scene before him.

"Nobody should touch anything," he commanded with authority, his gaze shifting from the body to the group. "We must preserve the evidence and secure the area. This is now a crime scene."

Lady Eloise Ashford, her expression a mix of alarm and determination, spoke up. "But who among us could have committed such a heinous act?"

Dr. Knight, a look of unease etched across his face, added, "And what is the meaning behind these ominous symbols drawn in blood?"

Astrid Starfinder, the young journalist, her eyes widened with a mix of fear and curiosity, raised her notepad, ready to document every detail. "This is quite the story, isn't it?"

Lysander Stormcrow, his voice steady despite the gravity of the situation, suggested, "Perhaps someone should stand guard here while the rest search the house. There might be clues or evidence that could shed light on what's transpired."

Zephyr Silva, maintaining his usual stoic composure, nodded in agreement. "We need to gather as much information as possible to understand the sequence of events leading up to this tragic moment."

Rook, who is known for his methodical approach to investigations, nodded in approval of the Zephyr's suggestion. "Very well. We'll split into groups to search the manor, but be cautious. It's evident that something ominous lurks within these walls."

The guests paired off, each with their unique expertise, and began their exploration of Ravenwood Manor. Lady Eloise Ashford stayed by the detective's side, offering insights into the manor's history and its supposed supernatural occurrences. Dr. Knight and Miss Starfinder delved into the library, scouring ancient tomes for any reference to the symbols found at the scene of the crime. Zephyr and Lysander systematically combed through the corridors, checking for hidden passages or overlooked clues.

As they ventured through the labyrinthine passages of the old manor, each group encountered eerie occurrences that seemed to defy rational explanation. Shadows danced in the corners of their vision, whispers echoed through the halls, and the temperature fluctuated inexplicably. Meanwhile, back in the room where the murder had taken place, Rook meticulously examined the scene, piecing together the clues. Every detail, from the peculiar symbols to the positioning of objects, was scrutinised with an acute eye.

Hours passed, and the investigation continued, with each group unravelling fragments of the manor's enigmatic past. The storm outside showed no signs of relenting, adding to the sinister atmosphere that seemed to pervade every inch of Ravenwood Manor. As the night deepened, the guests reconvened in the parlour, their expressions a mixture of trepidation and anticipation, ready to pool their findings. 

**Author Note - 2nd Chapter is finally released!! I hope you enjoy the story so far and remember to eat and stay hydrated [Word Count - 467] (sorry for the short chapters comment if you want longer chapters)**