The Dark Society

85

Karen had secluded herself in a serene setting that bordered the North Sea: Camden Manor. While savoring the sunrise, she received an unexpected call from Alex.

"Hey," she greeted. "Have you spoken with your mother?"

He hesitated. "Yes, but I felt unnerved by her tone."

"Why's that?"

"She sounded evasive, and I don't understand why," he acknowledged. "Anyway, I thought Jessica would've arrived by now."

Karen gazed out at the swells. "She'll visit your parents first. That's how she is--methodical and secretive."

"At least she doesn't know where you are."

Karen grinned. "Trust me, she'll find out."

"In that case, it's not safe for you to stay."

"Don't worry," she retorted while stepping inside. "I'll be fine."

His jovial mood instantly changed when he received a message from Diana.

"What's wrong?"

"Trina and Jasmine," Alex announced. "They're dead."

"What?" Karen shouted. "How?"

"I don't know. My father saw the article this morning, so I have to go."

Across the city, Jessica and Jordan were meeting with Stephen and Diana. Unfortunately, Karen had now recognized her talents and how to use them, and everyone feared the worst.

"I don't want authorities involved," Jordan advised. "But Karen's become dangerous, and we must bring her home."

Diana rose and moved to the window. "Then you know where she is?"

"We believe so," Jessica answered.

Diana turned back to face them. "How bad is it?"

Jessica's gaze dropped. "Karen stopped taking her medication months ago and has since foregone any further therapy."

"So she's ascended?" Stephen questioned.

Jessica glanced at Jordan. "Not yet, though she's obsessed with invoking the spirit of an elder."

"Does she possess the neophyte?" Diana inquired.

"Thankfully, no," Jordan answered.

Diana's expression darkened. "Only a seasoned witch can evoke such power. Plus, she needs to channel the corners alongside the coven."

Jordan squinted. "Or arrange a séance governed by a sovereign of equal strength."

"We must inform Alex," Stephen suggested as Jessica stared ahead thoughtfully.

"I'm not sure we should."

"Why not?" Diana questioned.

"For the same reason I alienated Luis--to prevent a war between the species."

Karen had been resolute of late, dedicated to securing the goddess's sovereignty, so Diana conferred with her son again.

"Alex is on the way."

"Alone?" Jordan asked.

"From what he said."

"That's our chance," Jessica suggested. "While he's here, Jordan and I will locate Karen."

"If he becomes suspicious, he'll tell her," Diana explained as Jessica and Jordan prepared to leave.

"He's not the one I'm worried about," Jessica stated.