The Dark Society

63

Alex's need to absolve Karen had become an obsession over time while Tatum remained disillusioned by Lyndsey's ongoing defiance. She was typically engaged, yet she'd often disguised any apparent affiliation. Be it what it would, she'd accompanied Tatum and Alex to the resort hoping for absolution.

"What are you doing?" Tatum challenged.

Alex sneered.

"Going inside."

It was hardly surprising that cameras guarded the resort, but despite the controlled conditions it presented an ideal opportunity. Meanwhile, Tatum feared Lyndsey's mindset and hoped to keep her focused.

"I'm worried about you." she stated.

Lyndsey smirked.

"You should be more concerned for your friend."

Delicate wickerwork bolstered an ambience Karen often employed when she hosted the sisterhood. Yet, this wasn't a social occasion, but a reunion to decide on a course of action. She retains absolute power as of today, thus a mutual trust was expected.

However, while converged at a central table silent gestures revealed genuine feelings. More than that, Karen's recent actions and fidelity to her obsessions had also caused concern.

Even still, it wasn't unusual for there to be a few abutting opinions. Whatever the case, she was adept at identifying intentions and as each tarot landed many hidden ambitions became obvious. As a result, Karen resented everyone and was frequently angered while her enmities were compounded by the notions of veiled collusions.

Meanwhile, Stern toured the Lady of Victories determined to implicate Karen's sisterhood. An action which left the sanctities surrounding Trina and Jasmine's existence forgotten. In the contrary case, Karen wasn't worried, but as each steady smirk loitered she drifted forward and stared.

Kyle and Logan had accompanied Dena and Lesley with one accord. Loyalists engaged with the cause, but friends that possessed a neutrality that surpassed belief. No matter how, they'd stay devoted, so Karen was accommodating.

Now, Alex's thoughts raced knowing Karen's solidity was fading, but he'd always protected her and was determined to do so again. Barring this in mind, he entered the resort as the girls waited still and solitary.

Karen arose not long after, approached a back window and parted the drapes. She looked agitated initially, but she was surprisingly in complete control. An omission that promptly captivated attention.

"What is it?" Sienna asked.

"We have guests." she answered.

Alex had sheltered for a while now, though sudden motions prompted him to leap to his feet where he'd stand poised before Karen's sect. Each gaze pivoted one by one while their postures seemed misleading. More importantly, they no longer resembled the friends he once knew. On that note, Alex grew defensive, though encircled and powerless to flee.

While this happens, Tatum's anxieties heightened since realizing he'd accessed the sanctuary uninvited. In which case, she made another pivotal decision. However, she didn't act impulsively since Karen controlled Lyndsey and the coven. (An influence she was powerless to counteract). But after everything, Alex returned with a sombre and emotionless disposition.

"Karen's alright." he proclaimed.

Tatum eased into the seat.

"You saw her?"

"Yes." he emphasized before pulling away.

Countless stars adorned the dusk late into the night; another glimpse of majesty in light of the brutality of recent events. Even still, resentment and a desire for vengeance flourished, thus many new schemes were bolstered.

"He'll talk." Kyle insisted.

Karen smirked.

"Of that I'm certain."

Logan closed.

"And Tatum?"

She twisted.

"Soon, she'll no longer be a problem."