The Dark Society

71

Alex's passions had always felt conflicted, but for him to feel any other way would be unnatural. Even still, his suspicions remained unwavering, yet he knew that if he conceded, Karen would take advantage.

Drawing to the curb, he felt distraught, because, at nineteen, he'd never experienced heartbreak or true love. However, if the relationship was over, he wanted to hear the words. Soon after, their eyes met as the gates opened and Karen passed through.

Alex needed to confront her, but he refused to react the way she wanted. Therefore, he maintained his distance, hoping to limit her power over him.

"Come here," she beckoned, gesturing.

He remained steadfast despite Karen's piercing gaze. Sadly, their relationship demanded attention, and he'd given her the chance to explain, but Karen had declined. Ergo, whether he wanted it or not, their union had ended.

Jessica had once again played the martyr and minimized the psychological toll, allowing Karen to seize control. Meanwhile, memories of Luis's rejection echoed in Karen's mind as her ideal life slipped away--an existence she could never recover.

After a moment, Karen returned inside, wanting to confront her mother. However, such an argument wasn't wise. Jessica had exiled Alex just as she'd done years earlier with Luis, once again undermining Karen's happiness.

Now, Karen had pleaded with Luis, but he remained unwilling to listen. So, feeling exiled again, she would become far more dangerous.

"Where is she?" Jordan wondered as he entered Karen's empty bedroom.

Jessica watched as he returned alone and retreated downstairs.

"What's happening?"

"Karen has defied us and fled," he admitted. "She's hoping to find the gemstone."

Jessica had never anticipated Karen's newfound awareness or the adverse effects of stopping the herbal treatments, so her daughter now remembered everything.

"We have to stop her," Jessica demanded.

"If we can," Jordan replied.