The Dark Society

41

Vivid sunshine brightened the day as everyone gathered at the UBC J Café for coffee. The holidays had been therapeutic, offering ample opportunity to reconnect with relatives and renew old friendships.

Despite this respite, students struggled to embrace normalcy. Meanwhile, Lyndsey and Tatum sat nestled together, browsing the synagogue's upcoming events calendar.

"I'm glad you came back," she whispered, snuggling closer.

Tatum's eyes sparkled. "It was time."

Regional news regularly captured attention as student disappearances dominated headlines. Unknown to them, the girls had become entangled in London's dark occult society, though neither could join the sisterhood without a renowned bloodline.

Independent of that, Sabrina and Karen held opposing beliefs about witchcraft, creating mutual disdain between them. Likewise, Lyndsey displayed growing contempt for authority as her devotion to the occult intensified.

All the same, Tatum didn't arouse suspicion or appear troubled since she had nurtured these pursuits while keeping Lyndsey protected. On another note, Sabrina's intuition proved sharp; she sensed everything: Karen's jealousy, Lyndsey's impulsive passion for the synagogue, and Alex's unusual loyalty.

During this time, the second semester had begun, and students welcomed spring's arrival. Yet judging by Lyndsey's attitude, she needed more time away.

"Anything interesting?" Tatum murmured, gripping the brochure.

"Nothing more than usual."

Lyndsey often seemed subdued, pondering her and Karen's involvement. And though Tatum's persistent questions required patience, they were valid. Nevertheless, Lyndsey's demeanor continued fluctuating--generally cordial and outspoken, she had lately grown reserved and withdrawn, mirroring the sisterhood's behavior exactly.

More importantly, Imperial College was embroiled in the mystery of missing students, so many scholars stayed isolated, terrified of the unknown. Even so, the Evelyn Gardens housemates chose to weather the storm, leading to many secretive discussions between Lyndsey and Karen.

"What's that about?" Tatum asked.

Alex sneered. "Who knows."

Alex had kept conversations brief, making Tatum recall Sabrina's warning.

"She was right," Tatum muttered.

"What's that?" Alex questioned.

Tatum turned with a solemn stare. "Oh, nothing."

Karen returned after some time, appearing shaken, while Lyndsey seemed chastened. Whatever they had discussed, they hadn't reached agreement. Even still, Lyndsey's involvement was now evident, so Tatum remained discreet, not wanting confrontation.

"Are you alright?"

"I'll be fine," she whispered.

Suddenly, Lyndsey gasped for breath, her stare becoming ghostly. Seeing this, Tatum recalled other times she'd witnessed such episodes--at Sabrina's apartment. Meanwhile, Alex was poised to resume his discussion with Karen despite being transfixed by Lyndsey's condition.

"Is everyone ready?" Karen asked.

"Yes," Alex replied.

"Is Luis joining us?" Lyndsey inquired.

"I doubt it," he insisted. "He has other things to do."

Karen's anger flared as everyone headed to the dorm. But with Luis's sudden absence, their reasons for worry had multiplied.