The Dark Society

1

                                                                              London, England

A lifetime native of London, Luis is the son of Jim and Caroline Mortensen. Married in 1983, Jim, at fifty-two, is a philosophy professor at Imperial University while Caroline, at fifty-one, is a notable emissary to the English government.

Imperial had gained prestige by graduating gifted scholars, and thus Luis aimed to pursue a law degree while furthering his passion for ecological issues.

Jim and Caroline felt most elated when graduation day arrived, but despite his own enthusiasm, Luis' thoughts dwelt on Karen. They'd been in love since childhood, but as one might expect, acted naive and defiant.

For this reason, Karen's mother, Jessica, thought it better if the family moved away--a decision that left Luis heartbroken and distraught. On top of that, many of his and Karen's friends began attending an occultist church of the Wicca doctrine: the Lady of Victories.

Among them were Sienna Quinn, Lesley Ashton, and Dena Pierce: sisters of enchantment Karen had bonded with and considered family. Yet nowadays, her mother remains assertive and, with the aid of Archbishop Leon Luen, stifles these relationships.

Karen wasn't like other girls, in fairness, and suffered from a mysterious affliction, so Jessica sheltered her daughter amid her continuous treatment. Even still, three years had passed, and Luis was determined to find her again.

Meanwhile, Caroline had organized a post-graduation banquet at London's lavish Clove Club, knowing it'd be an ideal setting to relax and forget. After which, she hoped to remain secretive while hiding the surprise.

"How do you feel?" Jim asked as his son drew close.

Oddly enough, Luis didn't answer immediately, but based on their expressions, he'd made them proud, and for him, such feelings of fulfillment were agreeable.

"I don't know..." he replied. "It's been a long journey."

His mother cuddled him close. "We're so proud of you."

Everything felt routine at the end of the day, so Luis wanted to get away and enjoy a lengthy and calming summer.

"I need space," he announced eagerly as his father seized his cap and gown.

"You deserve it," Jim proclaimed. "Though, there's one more thing."

Luis chuckled. "Why am I not surprised?"

Caroline hurried everyone along in the interest of time, hoping to make their reservation. But while doing so, Luis again recalled his mother's fondness for the extravagant and, despite not sharing her vitality, it was something he expected.

"Where are we going?" he questioned while sitting in the back seat.

Caroline peered over the headrest. "That's for us to know and you to wonder about."

Slowly but surely, the sun was waning and the evening had become muggy, but Luis savored the sights even amid the neighborhood's deteriorating conditions. Sad to say, disease and poverty were grave concerns, so he aimed to broaden his involvement with the environment.

Meanwhile, routes to the Clove Club were impeded by recurring traffic delays, so Caroline had also reserved a suite at an elaborate hotel within London's economic sector: the Four Seasons at Park Lane. Yet another costly expenditure, Luis believed, but one she presumed was worth the peace of mind.

"This is madness," Jim bellowed.

Caroline giggled and caressed his hand. "Relax, I've taken the liberties."