The Dark Society

23

Tatum sat, exhausted as evening approached. But while readying for bed, an unexpected knock broke the silence.

"Who is it?"

"Got a minute?" a familiar voice called out.

She opened the door and stepped aside as Lyndsey entered and moved to the sofa.

"Where are Kyle and Logan?" Tatum asked. "And Trina and Jasmine, for that matter?"

Lyndsey shrugged.

"Taking a break. I hate to ask, but have you spoken to Sabrina?"

Tatum stiffened.

"Not recently. Why?"

The answer surprised Lyndsey because she knew Tatum, and Sabrina spoke often.

"I thought she was traveling home."

Tatum scowled.

"She mentioned nothing."

Lyndsey's voice carried doubt.

"Don't you think that's weird?"

Tatum glanced toward the adjacent apartment.

"No, not really."

Lyndsey expected hesitation, knowing the complicated dynamics between Tatum and Sabrina. Alas, Tatum felt hurt that Sabrina hadn't confided in her. Though she tried not to let the slight dampen the mood.

"Is Karen mentoring you?" Tatum asked, changing the subject.

Lyndsey chuckled and relaxed.

"In occultism and tarot reading."

Tatum's mind drifted, thinking of Sabrina. Like the others, Sabrina advocated for divination. But, there was something darker about her approach--something setting her apart.

Lyndsey patted her thigh.

"Pay attention, will you?"

Tatum snapped back and laughed.

"Sorry, what were you saying?"

"I thought you were learning from Sabrina."

The statement immediately caught attention.

Tatum giggled.

"A few things, though she keeps certain aspects private."

"Have you ever asked why?"

Tatum sighed.

"It's not that I don't want to know, but it's the way she operates."

Lyndsey moved closer. She'd done this before, so Tatum thought nothing of it. Even though her posture seemed almost flirtatious.

"I know what you're thinking, and I get it. But, you're not like other girls."

Tatum looked puzzled.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"You look like a cheerleader, yet you're drawn to studying witchcraft."

Tatum shifted.

"I guess I have Sabrina to thank, because she explains things in a way that makes sense."

Lyndsey turned to face her.

"I wish Karen had that gift."

"At least you're not a member of the coven. That's what matters."

For the moment, Lyndsey sat transfixed. With everything happening, it's the time of year when new relationships bloom. Moreover, after weeks of tension and sleepless nights, everyone needed a reprieve.

All the same, such complications were part of life at Imperial University. Yet, for the housemates of Evelyn Gardens, things took a turn for the worse. Some adapted to change, while others withdrew. Though with Sabrina, there's always something beneath the surface.