The Dark Society

19

 The boys departed for the dorm, but Luis felt weary. It'd been months since he'd seen Karen in a social setting. So, Luis needed to contain hostilities and remain cordial. Opposite that recent events prompted Imperial to place sanctions against the sect. And since many scholars defended the cause, they too faced scrutiny. Thus, such secluded gatherings became commonplace throughout the campus.

This explained why the guest list for tonight's reading included only a select few. And regardless of demand, Lyndsey didn't alter Karen's arrangement. On another note, everyone wanted to see Sabrina. The enigma that stayed isolated from society without explanation. However, friends didn't consider the behavior abnormal. Though Tatum often felt troubled by the desire for isolation.

Karen, Sienna, Lesley and Dena arrived, followed by Alex, Luis, Kyle and Logan. All the while, Luis remained reserved despite Karen's enticing glances and gestures. Though Alex stayed observant, knowing of his best friend's attraction to Sabrina.

Karen's subtlety masked true intention: shadow Luis and rebuild their lost connection. For leverage, she arranged everyone in a circular assembly and settled on the sofa. Seeing this, Luis groaned, recognizing that the woman he once knew was changing.

"Who's going first?" Karen asked.

"I will," Luis responded.

Karen stood intrigued by his spontaneity. Driven by a renewed outlook or newfound honesty, Luis seemed eager to share interests. So, Karen gave Sienna a knowing wink as she arranged various tarot cards. There'd be elements of performance, but everyone seemed enthralled regardless.

"What's next?" he asked.

"Now, we learn your future," Sienna replied, drawing the first card.

Karen watched, hoping to revive a lost spiritual connection. However, tarot readings were speculative, whether favorable or ominous. But a genuine occultist could interpret any literal meaning. So, Karen remained alert, anticipating a positive reading. Meanwhile, Tatum appeared worried about the ever-changing narrative.

"The Emperor," Sienna announced, turning to Luis.

He smirked.

"And?"

Dena leaned forward.

"It symbolizes fatherhood."

Tatum appeared pale and struggled for breath, so Lyndsey seized her hand and stared.

"What's wrong?"

"They're connected," she whispered.

"Everything alright?" Dena asked.

Tatum nodded and brushed away the question.

"Can we continue?" Sienna asked.

"Of course," Karen insisted.

Sienna flipped the next card and placed it alongside the first.

"The Hermit. It outlines a future quest for truth and self-discovery."

Sienna drew a third and decisive card, while Tatum recalled past readings with Sabrina. She'd felt relaxed during those sessions, but now appeared terrified. Even so, she remained silent, but observant.

"The death card," Sienna revealed. "It foretells change or the end of a cycle."

"That's what Sabrina drew, except reversed," Tatum announced, trembling.

Kyle turned.

"You've had sessions with Sabrina?"

Tatum nodded.

"She knows about this. But those readings were different, and the results were more specific."

Logan leaned closer.

"Go on."

Tatum groaned.

"Each card matched exactly, except one-the Emperor."

Lesley moved closer.

"So?"

"Instead, she drew the Devil upright," Tatum continued. "The prophecy of corruption and blind revenge."

Karen stared at Luis. Believing the prophecy was accurate and that Sabrina had captivated him for a reason. As a result, Karen turned toward Dena, their eyes meeting in an icy stare. The coven seemed obsessed with the revelation. But if Luen's teachings were correct, Sabrina was a primary manipulator.

Hours passed, and Sabrina still hadn't arrived. A recurring pattern despite extensive attempts to remedy it. Unbeknownst to anyone, she'd endured many physical and spiritual transformations. Evolutions surpassed only by the persistent burden of ascension. Thus, Sabrina nestled in the sofa, allowing unknown forces to consume everything.

Later, Sabrina entered the bathroom and readied a shower. As steam rose, tensions eased. An oddity for the moment, but welcomed nonetheless. However, closing the door, attention focused on a crimson smear on the handle. Sabrina wanted to scream, but smirked. Because though she didn't remember, the proof was clear.