The Dark Society

63

Alex's need to absolve Karen had become an obsession, while Tatum remained disillusioned by Lyndsey's ongoing defiance. Over and above, Lyndsey was typically engaged but often disguised her true affiliations. Whatever her motivations, she had accompanied Tatum and Alex to the resort, hoping for absolution.

"What are you doing?" Tatum challenged.

Alex sneered. "Going inside."

The resort's cameras were hardly surprising, but despite the controlled conditions, it presented an ideal opportunity. Meanwhile, Tatum feared for Lyndsey's state of mind and hoped to keep her focused.

"I'm worried about you," she said.

Lyndsey smirked. "You should be more concerned about your friend."

Delicate wickerwork enhanced the ambience Karen often employed when hosting the sisterhood. Yet this wasn't a social occasion, but a reunion to decide their course of action. Even still, she retained absolute power, and mutual trust was expected.

However, as they converged around the central table, silent gestures revealed genuine feelings. More troubling, Karen's recent actions and obsessive behavior had caused widespread concern.

It wasn't unusual for opposing opinions to surface. However, Karen was adept at reading intentions, and as each tarot card landed, hidden ambitions became obvious. As a result, Karen resented everyone and grew frequently angry, her enmities compounded by suspicions of secret alliances.

Meanwhile, Stern toured the Lady of Victories, determined to implicate Karen's sisterhood--an action that left the sanctity surrounding Trina and Jasmine's existence forgotten. Though, Karen wasn't worried initially, but as each knowing smirk lingered, she drifted forward and stared.

Kyle and Logan had accompanied Dena and Lesley in solidarity. They were loyalists engaged with the cause, but friends who possessed an almost unbelievable neutrality. No matter what happened, they would stay devoted, so Karen was accommodating.

Alex's thoughts raced, knowing Karen's stability was fading. Even so, he had always protected her and was determined to do so again. With this in mind, he entered the resort while the girls waited, still and solitary.

Karen rose shortly after, approached a back window, and parted the drapes. She looked agitated at first, but was surprisingly in complete control--a composure that immediately captured attention.

"What is it?" Sienna asked.

"We have guests," she answered.

Alex had been sheltering for some time, but sudden movements prompted him to leap to his feet. In seconds, he stood poised before Karen's sect as each gaze turned toward him, their postures seemingly misleading. More importantly, they no longer resembled the friends he once knew. Alex grew defensive, though he was encircled and powerless to flee.

Meanwhile, Tatum's anxiety heightened as she realized he had accessed the sanctuary uninvited. Thus, she made another pivotal decision but didn't act impulsively since Karen controlled Lyndsey and the coven--an influence Tatum was powerless to counteract.

After everything, Alex returned with a somber, emotionless disposition.

"Karen's alright," he proclaimed.

Tatum eased into her seat. "You saw her?"

"Yes," he emphasized before pulling away.

Countless stars adorned the dusk late into the night--another glimpse of majesty amid the brutality of recent events. Even so, resentment and a desire for vengeance flourished, and new schemes took shape.

"He'll talk," Kyle insisted.

Karen smirked. "Of that I'm certain."

Logan stepped closer. "And Tatum?"

She twisted toward him. "Soon, she'll no longer be a problem."