The Dark Society

63

 Alex's need to absolve Karen became an obsession. While Tatum remained disillusioned by Lyndsey's ongoing defiance. Over and above, Lyndsey seemed engaged, but often disguised true affiliations. Whatever the case, she accompanied Tatum and Alex to the resort, hoping for absolution.

"What are you doing?" Tatum challenged.

Alex sneered.

"Going inside."

The resort's security wasn't 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 an ambience Karen often employed when hosting the elders. Yet, this wasn't a social occasion, but a reunion to decide a course of action. Even still, she retained absolute power, so mutual trust felt expected. However, as they converged around the central table, silent gestures revealed genuine feelings. More troubling, Karen's recent actions and obsessive behavior caused widespread concern.

It wasn't unusual for opposing opinions to surface. However, Karen's senses seemed acute, so as tarots landed, ambitions became obvious. As a result, Karen resented everyone and grew angrier. Enmities compounded by suspicions of secret alliances.

Meanwhile, Stern toured the Lady of Victories, determined to implicate Karen's sect. An action leaving the sanctity surrounding Trina and Jasmine's existence forgotten. Karen wasn't worried, but as each smirk lingered, she drifted forward and stared.

Kyle and Logan accompanied Dena and Lesley. Loyalists engaged with the cause, but friends with unbelievable neutrality. No matter what happened, they stayed devoted, so Karen was accommodating.

Alex's thoughts raced, knowing Karen's stability was fading. Even so, he'd always protected her and appeared 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 in complete control. A composure which immediately captured attention.

"What is it?" Sienna asked.

"We have guests," she answered.

Alex sheltered for some time, but sudden movements prompted him to his feet. In seconds, he stood poised before Karen's sect. And as each gaze focused, their postures appeared misleading. Moreover, they no longer resembled the friends he once knew. Alex grew defensive, though encircled and powerless to flee.

Meanwhile, Tatum's anxiety heightened as Alex accessed the sanctuary uninvited. Thus, she made another pivotal decision. However, she didn't act 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. Another glimpse of majesty amid the brutality of recent events. Even so, resentment and desires for vengeance flourished, so 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."