The Dark Society

78

In collaboration with Lyndsey and Alex's recent behavior, Karen's influence had proved detrimental. Along the same lines, she despised Sabrina, and Luis's attraction had only complicated matters. Not forgetting, Sabrina had remained Tatum's spiritual guide, and it stood imperative they reunited. 

That same afternoon, Karen occupied the shoreline, pondering Luen's proposal. And despite the risks, she felt compelled, though such a choice would change her life forever. Leaving things to chance, Alex soon arrived, appearing anxious and uneasy.

"Why'd you ask to see me...?" he demanded. "You made it clear it was over between us."

Steadily, she turned and gazed over the waves.

"I couldn't have you believing the worst, now could I?"

"Why shouldn't I, or for that matter, anyone else?"

As one might expect, responses varied as the sunset glimmered in her eyes.

"It's complicated, but I've found a solution."

Of course, he ached to hold her and say everything would be fine, but despite the urge, Karen was beyond help. On a related note, a nagging loyalty persisted, and he didn't intend to abandon her.

"You have to walk away..." he pleaded. "From the synagogue, Luen, the sisterhood, everything. Leave it all behind before it destroys you."

"That's impossible, and you know it..." she verified, adjusting. "Besides, you wouldn't expect me to stop being who I am, would you?"

Naturally, he hesitated, not wanting to indulge her appetites.

"Your feelings for me are not real, and they never have been."

From there, Karen adopted a charming smirk.

"If that's true, why come to the villa and wait?"

Come what may, he stood composed, pondering the perfect question. Although, despite everything, he loved her, and Karen knew it.

"I don't know."

Grinning, she corrected.

"You're not a good liar..." Karen insisted. "Plus, there's no need to feel worried, since I'll soon set things right."

Gradually, Alex settled despite his anxieties.

"Meaning?"

"Meaning, if you'd wanted to leave, you'd done it already."

Sure enough, he didn't dispute the claims, knowing it was the truth. Nevertheless, she was now a danger to everyone and needed intervention.

"Let me help you."

Moving away, she stared.

"You're not turning against me, are you?"

Sulking, Alex gazed.

"Of course not..." he answered. "But, what do you want?"

Instantly, she squinted and smiled.

"What every witch stands entitled to, of course."

Without haste, he drew close, now understanding her inner desires. And since he couldn't change her mind, he challenged Karen's sense of emotion.

"In that case, I choose to walk away."

Like a shot, she retreated amid his confession. Again, Alex was defying her, but as the urge to retaliate grew, Karen resisted. Seeing this, he felt distraught knowing the woman he loved had changed.

"That's not what I want."

More and more, Alex hesitated.

"I can't trust you."

On the spot, Karen's anger surged while recalling her and Luis's last encounter. By the same token, he'd also eluded her manipulative advances, but she wouldn't surrender the advantage over his best friend.

"Go; if that's what you want."

Instantly, he sulked.

"I should, but I can't."

"In that case, understand why I have to see this through..." She countered. "More so, I need to know you'll be there no matter what happens."

Twisting, Alex lamented.

"Karen, this obsession will destroy you..." he advised. "And I won't watch you condemn yourself."

Smirking, she eased.

"Then help me."