The Dark Society

13

The girls unbolted the doors and passed through, but as they did, Sabrina suddenly grew pale and unsteady, so she gripped a nearby countertop, her head bowed low. Tatum expectedly panicked but refused to abandon her new friend.

Sabrina quickly retrieved a bag from the counter and began searching through it. Tatum expected to see medicine, but instead, Sabrina pulled out something strange--a sacred medallion. Tatum stepped back and watched as Sabrina clutched the artifact and began to whisper under her breath.

"What's wrong?" Tatum asked. "You're scaring me."

Sabrina caught her reflection in a nearby mirror and watched as her eyes shifted from dark to light. Her worst fears were confirmed--the ascension was progressing.

"It's nothing," she whispered, turning away.

Tatum watched nervously, reflecting on what she had witnessed. Sabrina wanted to explain, but Julia had sworn her to secrecy. Instead, she moved across the room and settled onto the couch as sudden rain began to fall, bringing an unexpected sense of calm.

In the interim, visions of unfamiliar places and faces continued to flash through Sabrina's mind. But, with the ascension underway, such occurrences were to be expected, so she swept her dark hair aside and gestured for Tatum to come closer.

"It's alright," she said reassuringly. "I won't bite."

Tatum cautiously joined her on the couch, staring with wide-eyed curiosity. Sabrina felt uncertain about how her friend might react, but she wanted to ease Tatum's fears before answering any questions.

"How did you do that?" Tatum asked, moving closer.

"Do what?"

Tatum found her courage. "Your eyes."

Sabrina reached into an adjacent bag. "It's a long story, but this should help explain things."

"Tarot cards?" Tatum asked, looking confused.

"You've seen them before?" Sabrina inquired while arranging the cards.

"Here and there, but I thought only witches used them."

"No, devotees and people of faith use them too."

"So which one are you?"

Sabrina smiled mysteriously. "Does it matter?"

Tatum noticed the birthmark on Sabrina's left wrist, but she quickly pulled down her sleeve to hide it.

"I guess not," Tatum muttered.

Sabrina flipped the first card: the upright Fool--a familiar image representing innocence and new beginnings. Under normal circumstances, this would be a positive reading, but Sabrina also recognized its warnings of recklessness and betrayal.

"What does it mean?" Tatum asked, noting Sabrina's troubled expression.

"You're at the threshold of change," Sabrina replied with a forced smile.

"What about you?" Tatum pressed.

Sabrina stood and moved to the window, parting the curtains. "I'll let you decide."

"What do you mean?"

"Move your hand over the cards," Sabrina instructed. "Then turn over the one you feel the most energy from."

Tatum selected a card from the row of three and flipped it over. "The upright Empress."

Sabrina's heart sank as her eyes fell. It was the same card she had drawn countless times--an ominous prophecy of emptiness, shadowed by visions of darkness - a destiny she could no longer escape.

"Who are you?" Tatum asked, standing up.

Sabrina glanced over her shoulder. "Just a small-town country girl, nothing more."

"No," Tatum persisted. "There's something else because from the moment we met, I knew you were special."

Sabrina turned to face her. "I don't want to be."

Tatum moved closer. "Even so, I'm glad we found each other because I couldn't do this alone."

Sabrina gently brushed Tatum's auburn hair away from her face. "Me too."

The girls had become inseparable since that day, adopting mannerisms that mirrored each other's personalities. Yet Sabrina continued to suffer from haunting visions, causing her to withdraw from society and avoid questions about her family, her past, or her spiritual beliefs.

Meanwhile, Tatum was making friends quickly while discovering the diverse spiritual communities throughout campus. She was gaining valuable insight into the occult--one of the many reasons she and Sabrina connected so well.

Curiosity about Sabrina's spiritual affiliation continued to grow, and while theological practices among students varied widely, Sabrina remained an enigma. Imperial University was filled with dark influences and dangerous factions--paths that Tatum wisely avoided.

Instead, she spent her time studying with Sabrina, developing an innovative and determined spirit. Also, she began to understand the value of life while learning the virtues of spiritual practice. Eventually, Tatum shared her newfound interests with her parents.

However, they disapproved of the association, believing that Sabrina embodied a sinister and untrustworthy presence. That night, Tatum opened her windows and breathed in the cool evening air. She lived in uncertain times, facing spiritual challenges and diversity, so only time would tell if this girl from southern Georgia could adapt to what lay ahead.