The Dark Society

38

Radiant sunshine illuminated the Lady of Victories. Set in East London, this three-story edifice showcased many hand-crafted architectural features, most notably the towering Gothic spires that pierced London's skyline. The institution was renowned for its distinctive curriculum and, under Archbishop Leon Luen's guidance, scholars excelled in ancient mystical philosophies.

However, the academy had faced criticism due to its alleged ties to occultism, prompting Luen to implement strict discipline. Some students rebelled, studying forbidden arts beyond the institution's walls in defiance of his decrees. Yet the devoted coven remained loyal, eager to defend their sanctuary's sanctity. This is why, when the sisters arrived, Leon received them with measured grace.

Clad in traditional ankle-length black robes, his distinctive short, well-manicured hair gleamed in the light. The Archbishop was known for his personable nature, but today his expression was grave. Nevertheless, he feared losing control entirely, and without structure, the academy would crumble. Thus, drawing close Luen clutched his rosary and spoke.

"I thought we had trust between us."

Dena approached. "Why would you think otherwise?"

Leon squinted and descended the stairs, easily reading their unguarded expressions. The sisters made no attempt to disguise their intentions since Karen's exile was undeniable.

"Why have you summoned us?" Sienna asked.

The Archbishop fixed his stare upon her. "You should have expected it."

He noted their growing anxiety, yet Leon remained composed. More importantly, he wanted details about Karen's condition, no matter how dire, so he reviewed the ancient texts and waited.

"The holy trinity..." Sienna recited from memory. "Details the fates of witches who abandon the church."

Dena interjected, "It also outlines the requirements to summon ancient spirits--entities considered mere figments."

The Archbishop loomed over them as Lesley stepped closer.

"She's a governing witch, nothing more," she added. "Besides, Karen is still ascending and hasn't embodied her full power."

Luen stepped back. "In time, she will," he affirmed. "Then her strength will rival the elders."

"Impossible!" Sienna exclaimed.

Luen gathered his ledgers. "It's simple," he revealed. "If your faith remains unwavering, there's nothing to fear. But I suspect otherwise, and with doubt comes consequence."

Though the girls remained defiant, Sienna immediately grasped the implication.

"Karen intends to invoke an elder's spirit."

Leon nodded grimly. "Even if it costs her life."

"What else?"

"Such ambition isn't a hindrance--it's a blessing," he added.

He had guided the coven as they ascended and embraced their power. Yet even with their combined abilities, Karen's separation from the group proved detrimental. As a result, the Archbishop felt betrayed, despite the sect's apparent loyalty.

He remembered being a student himself time and again, enacting his mentor's sacred teachings in their absence. Similarly, Karen had weathered distrust while avoiding opposition. Given this parallel, Luen had reluctantly accepted the rise of modern occultists.

In the end, Karen's dark transformation came as no surprise as external influences and her hunger for mastery had changed her fundamentally. However, with his prized pupil's fate uncertain, a long-suppressed desire began to stir within him.