The Dark Society

30

 Tatum remained silent but observant as Karen battled her fear of the unknown. In contrast, Sabrina radiated warmth, with a bright smile and demeanor. A disposition that confirmed everything Karen had heard about her.

Alas, she needed a reason to approach Sabrina, though Luis waited for the right moment. The situation felt awkward, since Luis and Karen weren't dating and he'd never met Sabrina. Finally, Luis swallowed hard and stepped forward. The gesture caught Sabrina's attention, and she waved him over.

"Luis..." she greeted. "Remember me?"

He stared like an awkward schoolboy.

"How could I forget?" he managed. "Though I'm surprised you remember my name."

"I recognize you from orientation."

He nodded.

"I'm impressed."

She giggled.

"You should be."

Sabrina seemed engaged and focused, though often appeared distant and withdrawn.

"I don't see you around campus much," Luis observed.

Sabrina moved closer.

"Sorry about that, I haven't been myself lately."

Luis took her hand and kissed it.

"I know what you mean."

The noisy surroundings made conversation difficult, so he offered an alternative.

"How about somewhere more private?"

Luis didn't know what to expect, but stood gratified she was everything he'd imagined.

"I thought you'd never ask."

All things aside, meeting Sabrina went well. She was personable and receptive. Even so, the situation had intrigued her, and there was more she needed to know.

"I've thought about this moment," he admitted.

She beamed.

"I have to confess--I have too."

Sabrina enjoyed the conversation, but there was much he didn't need to know. So, while getting acquainted, she steered toward specific topics. However, when Sabrina mentioned plans to leave, Luis felt heartbroken.

"When are you coming back?"

"I'm not," she said.

Meanwhile, their absence hadn't gone unnoticed. Luckily, Karen had contained her jealousy thus far, but it'd become more difficult.

"You couldn't be any more obvious," Dena stated, approaching her.

"Why him?" Karen demanded.

Dena turned to face her.

"You're not together anymore, remember?"

Karen grabbed her arm.

"What did you sense earlier?"

Dena looked toward Sabrina.

"Like I said—she's evil and more powerful than we imagined."

"Why would a witch from America come here?"

Dena took a breath.

"The prophecy, remember?"

Karen scowled.

"Would someone travel so far?"

Dena considered this.

"To gain an advantage? Yes. So, don't underestimate her."

Karen absorbed this revelation while Sabrina and Luis continued talking. She'd committed to reconciling with Luis, but now Sabrina had intervened. An unforeseen development which enraged the sect. Regardless, Karen and Luis shared an extensive history. An ancestry of passion she planned to exploit.