grail of death and clockwork.

Chapter VIII

As Dakoda paces her burgundy skirts make a gentle swooshing sound and her heels click on the worn hardwood floors of her study, her eyebrows scrunched together in thought her hands fiddling with the locket and ring on her necklace.

"Going by the pattern I have until tomorrow night to warn Whomever might be the next target, which really means I must Absolutely find out the most likely candidate for this monster to attack is, and then I must warn them. while simultaneously taking their place as bait to catch this killer," Dakoda mutters to herself. "But who would be the most likely, The rest of the thompson family are out of question for now, they will avoid socializing for a while while they get over the shock, Lady watson will not be leaving her home again until next monday... Lord watson however will be going out in two days exactly... and right past the clockwork hotel, where I suspect our killer is stationed at the moment..." She murmurs.

"Lady Cipher, would you like for me to bring your supper to you?" Menachem asks. Dakoda freezes as the voice of her maid sends chills down her spine, remembering the threat on her servants lives she shakes her head.

"No, take it to the dining room, Tell the others they are to be joining me for tonight's supper," Dakoda instructs sternly. With a curt nod and a bow Menachem exits the room.

Dakoda brushes her hands down her skirt letting out a deep shaking breath as her fingers tremble. Stuffing her steam gun deep into her pocket she turns to the door. Her eyes watering slightly she frowns.walks to the large window and clicks the latch into place double and triple checking that it would not be possible to open it, she then drew the curtains and made sure no one would be able to watch in from outside. Her levels of paranoia had only but grown now since this whole ordeal had started. She had been almost constantly checking over her shoulder since she left Scotland yard yesterday, the feeling of being watched now seemed permanently present in the back of her mind.

Once she had made completely sure that her study had been sufficiently secured she stepped out of the room and locked the door behind her.

Slowly and carefully, her thoughts focusing on where she is standing and what her surroundings are, Dakoda creeps steadily down the halls and into the dining room. As she enters she narrows her eyes glaring around the room and observing every little thing which could be used against her and her servants.

She closes all the curtains shrouding the room in an erie darkness, going around she makes sure all the gas valves of the lamps had been switched off, once satisfied that no gas had been leaking into the air she flicks the switch which lights all the lamps and the chandelier at once,holding her breath Dakoda only lets it out in a small sigh once she deems no gas explosions are going to be caused by the gas lights. She then patrols the room looking for anything out of place.

"My Lady, Might I ask what you are doing?" Audrey questions from the door as she stands watching Dakoda franticly pace the room.

"I am making sure it is safe," Dakoda murmurs glaring up at the chandelier suspended above the table. She cautiously walks up to the large table and looks up. The large heavy frame looked sturdy but Dakoda grimaces a the thought of it crushing her and her workers to death. She hesitantly sits down before motioning for Audrey to take the seat to her left.

"Sit, How far are the others might I ask?" Dakoda orders with a point.

"Yes My Lady, Ezekiel and Bartholomew are just in the kitchen, Menachem is Just down the hall," the young maid answers slowly walking into the room, she hesitates and stands by the chair

"Are you sure it is ok for me to sit, My Lady?" she quietly murmurs unsure. Dakoda replies only with a nod. Still hesitant the young girl sits down stiffly in the cushioned chair.