The Dark Society

72

Karen felt betrayed, but she believed the Bishop would reveal the truth about Jessica's schemes. At the same time, she sensed Alex and Luis's affections, though their trust in her had faltered. Whatever the case, she'd anticipated her mother's actions, and as Jessica arrived at the temple, Karen sat waiting.

"I've been expecting you," Leon greeted as Jessica entered and settled into a front pew.

"You know why I'm here."

Leon knew why, of course, but Jessica's reasoning remained open to interpretation. But under the circumstances, he didn't want to appear condescending.

"Your daughter hasn't visited," he remarked as she approached the altar and kneeled.

"She will."

He placed a book on the podium. "I find it cynical that people only find their way to church in times of turmoil."

"Nobody's perfect," she responded, standing. "Though my faith hasn't wavered."

"Karen needs more than faith."

She glared at him. "What's happening to her?"

Leon's expression darkened. "As a mentor, you should know better than anyone that she intends to invoke the spirit of an elder."

"But doing so will kill her," she said, her voice tight with fear.

"Not if she first acquires the gemstone."

Jessica fell silent and sank back into a pew. She wanted to dismiss this reality, but Leon was right - Karen already knew where to look.

"My daughter requires salvation and the wisdom of the church."

Leon sat beside her. "She's not alone. There are others."

Jessica turned to face him. "She's mentioned something."

He stood. "Regarding the Morgans?"

She stared up at him. "Yes, but how do you know of them?"

There wasn't time for petty concerns, because, if he wasn't sincere, the outcomes would be catastrophic.

"Their legend is well known," he began. "Though at present, the bloodline isn't unified. Karen knows this and plans to use it to her advantage."

Jessica's gaze fell. "Then it's as she thought. They're alive."

"Yes," he confirmed. "However, your daughter's rage is more focused."

Jessica's eyes widened. "She's not capable of hurting anyone."

Leon stepped back. "Karen is ascending and consumed by jealousy, so in the eyes of the world, she's more than capable." He paused, his voice growing grave. "More importantly, if she harnesses the power of the emerald, she'll become truly formidable."

Jessica left for home immediately, unaware that Karen stood watching from the shadows beneath the overcast sky, her eyes burning with determination.