The Dark Society

79

Karen returned home to find her father waiting. Surprisingly, 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 that no matter what she said, her sincerity would be in doubt. For this reason, he made even his most subtle gestures austere and emotionless.

Jordan felt besieged by Karen's witty sneers from the moment she arrived, though she often revealed her emotions through her expressions. Plus, she was clearly irritable, which warranted some degree of empathy. Nevertheless, Jordan felt relieved when Jessica made her 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 the draperies as she pondered her mother's actions. Jessica had predictably undermined her daughter's intentions by consulting the bishop, but without Luen's help, she was powerless to intervene. Given that, Karen smirked, relishing the new 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 a ritual is dangerous."

Karen stared in disbelief.

"I don't fully understand why you impeded 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 instantly.

"You bastard! How dare you!"

"Karen!" Jessica snapped.

"As for you," Karen continued, turning to face her mother, "standing there not knowing what it feels like to lose the love of your life--but 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 would one day surpass your own."

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

"Ah yes, my devoted sisterhood," she retorted. "It seems that 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?" she asked. "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 angrily 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 was prepared to follow through. Likewise, she wouldn't hesitate to exploit her 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 her 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 at her most vulnerable, she'll learn otherwise. Meanwhile, it's time we paid Stephen and Diana a visit."