The Dark Society

76

Karen felt liberated nowadays even though achieving a balance between attachment and control had proved challenging. Nevertheless, rules of conduct existed for witches, yet she'd ignored them in favor of mastery. In this regard, she entered the temple, but upon meeting the bishop neither seemed taken aback.

"Karen..." he whispered.

"Surprised?"

"Should I be...?" Leon answered. "You're not the first to seek guidance today."

Karen's idiosyncrasies had never altered since learning of her mother's deception. But, like Luen, she'd forged a different agenda, so this unexpected rendezvous held significance.

"I noticed..." she confirmed while caressing a candle. "But, since you and my mother have collaborated I felt a visit was warranted."

Leon grew alarmed seeing that Karen's disorder and strength had manifested, so he avoided using any provocative gestures or remarks.

"To what do I owe the pleasure?"

She grew angered.

"You may dispense with the pleasantries since you know what I'm looking for."

He advanced.

"I do."

Karen observed as Luen grasped a volume of text. She'd relied on faith, but in recent times her bonds to humanity felt weakened. Barring this in mind, Luen hoped to delay Karen's departure long enough to discover what she knew. But, with a newfound insight it wouldn't be easy.

"Your hunger for power is strong." he added.

She drew near.

"Did you think it'd fade...?" Karen affirmed. "Besides, once I have the gemstone my ascent will be complete, remember?"

Luen impulsively sneered because though powerful Karen was inexperienced. Alongside that, she'd endured many heartaches and wanted to right the wrongs. On top of everything else, Karen's knowledge of the stone was shocking, so he again suggested the unthinkable.

"The fusion would solve everything." he declared while examining the text.

Karen stayed poised.

"Or kill me in the process."

Turning pages the bishop scowled.

"You know the risks..." he maintained. "Yet, it's what you want; everyone knows it, even Luis. Besides, he's still the object of your affection, isn't he?"

Karen ascended the stairs.

"I hoped you wouldn't mention him, but I digress knowing you as I do."

Luen grinned.

"Even if it's successful you can't control such power and he'll still be under Sabrina's spell."

Karen smirked.

"He has nothing to do with this..." she exclaimed. "Secondly, I wouldn't overestimate Sabrina's strength since every witch has weaknesses."

She'd disclosed her ambitions at long last and based on the portrayals Sabrina was the focal point of rage.

"True..." he conquered. "But, Sabrina is unique and embodies exceptional power."

After he said it, she swaggered and smiled.

"Because she's a Morgan elder?"

The Bishop appeared shocked.

"How'd you know that?"

Karen retreated.

"I didn't -- until now."

Karen's resentment for Sabrina dominantly exceeded any loyalties to the church. However, even though she was a vengeful spirit the adolescent girl he'd mentored was still there.

Even still, she was intent on obtaining the emerald. (An ambition he and her parents feared). In the end, Karen's passions were conflicted and if she pursued Sabrina without the gemstone she'd fail.