The Dark Society

79

 Karen returned home to find her father waiting. By chance, he didn't appear distressed or angry. If anything, Jordan's posture was stern as he occupied the doorway. He studied his daughter's body language as she entered. Knowing no matter what she said, Karen's sincerity would stand doubted. For this reason, he made the most subtle gestures austere and emotionless.

Jordan felt besieged by Karen's witty sneers from the moment she arrived. Though, she often revealed emotions through expression. Plus, she seemed irritable, which warranted a degree of empathy. Even so, Jordan felt relieved when Jessica made a sudden but inevitable return.

"Where have you been?" Karen asked, eyeing her mother. "As if I didn't know."

Jessica joined her husband in the kitchen.

"Then why ask?"

Karen fell silent.

"You seem upset,"

"Wouldn't you be?" Jessica questioned.

Karen parted draperies, pondering her mother's actions. Jessica undermined her daughter's intentions by consulting the bishop. But, without Luen's help, Jessica was powerless to intervene. Given that, Karen smirked, relishing the possibilities for success.

"The shadow over me is gone, and I've embraced my gifts."

Jessica scowled.

"So be it," she responded. "But it's not your rite of passage that concerns me--it's your intent."

Karen paced.

"It's no secret," she declared.

Her mother considered this.

"You're not well, and that's no secret either," she explained. "Invoking the spirit isn't advisable, because you're inexperienced and such rituals are dangerous."

Karen stared in disbelief.

"I don't understand why you halted my progress. But, I wasn't surprised, knowing your need for control."

Jordan approached.

"Luis has moved on. Let it go."

Karen's anger flared.

"You bastard! How dare you!"

"Karen!" Jessica snapped.

"As for you," Karen continued, turning to face her mother, "not knowing what it's like to lose the love of your life. However, wasn't it you who separated Luis and me?"

Jessica's gaze fell.

"It was for the best," she admitted. "You were children who couldn't tell the difference between love and lust."

Karen smirked.

"That's why you suppressed my abilities," she continued. "You knew they'd one day surpass your own."

"Regardless, I was protecting you and the coven."

"Ah yes, my devoted sisterhood," she retorted. "It seems during these global changes they don't want my leadership. Another minor problem I'll deal with in due time."

"Thinking like that is why you'll fail."

Karen sneered.

"Then, you intend to stand against me?"

Jessica's eyes narrowed.

"When people get hurt or killed because of your rage, yes, I will."

Her daughter glared back.

"I wonder if Katherine Morgan thought the same when she murdered her husband," she retorted. "I guess I'll have to ask her myself, won't I?"

Her mother scowled again.

"I never realized how your obsessions controlled you until now," she admitted. "But are you willing to sacrifice everything for revenge against Sabrina?"

"Yes!" Karen exclaimed. "Because Luis and I love each other, and she stands in the way."

"If you want to blame Sabrina, do so," Jessica acknowledged. "However, Alex and Luis are innocent and incapable of resisting manipulation."

Karen laughed.

"How did you become so weak and sympathetic? If memory serves, you're not exactly innocent yourself, are you?"

"That's enough!" Jordan interjected. "She's your mother!"

"Yes, she is," Karen whispered, gazing into Jessica's eyes. "And because of that, she'll stand with me. Won't you?"

Her parents marched upstairs, leaving Karen surrounded by profound silence. After that, she departed as her mother watched from the balcony above.

"Karen, don't do this!" Jessica pleaded. "I don't want to lose you!"

Karen turned back.

"You already have."

Karen's intentions were clear, and she stood prepared to follow through. Likewise, she wouldn't hesitate to exploit advantages.

"That didn't take long," a voice greeted her.

"They'll be watching the villa. Suggestions?"

"Camden Manor?"

"Perfect."

"Stay there as long as you want, but be discreet and don't attract attention."

Karen smiled, knowing he'd come through for her again. And this time, she knew exactly how to thank him. Meanwhile, as her daughter enjoyed a newfound freedom, Jessica seethed with anger.

"She'll go into hiding," Jessica said.

"I imagine so," Jordan whispered. "What should we do?"

"Let Karen believe she holds the advantage," Jessica pledged. "Then, when she's vulnerable, she'll learn otherwise. Meanwhile, it's time we paid Stephen and Diana a visit."