The Dark Society

85

 For days, Karen secluded within a serene setting bordering the North Sea: Camden Manor. Although, savoring the sunrise, she received an unexpected call from Alex.

"Hey..." She greeted. "Have you spoken with your mother?"

Unexpectedly, 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."

Giggling, Karen confronted swells.

"She'll visit your parents first..." she advised. "That's how she is -- statutory and secretive."

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

Instantly, Karen grinned.

"Trust me, she'll find out."

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

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

At once, jovial moods changed following a message from Diana.

"What's wrong?"

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

"What...!?" Karen shouted. "How?"

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

Across the city, Jessica and Jordan met with Stephen and Diana. And since Karen now recognized her talents and how to use them, everyone feared the worst.

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

In a blink, Diana arose and neared the window.

"You know where she is?"

"We believe so." Jessica answered.

Sulking, she gaped.

"How bad is it?"

Gradually, Jessica's gaze dipped.

"Karen stopped taking medication months ago..." she confessed. "And foregone any further therapy."

"So, she's ascended?" Stephen questioned.

Naturally, Jessica glanced toward Jordan.

"Not yet..." she retorted. "Though, she's obsessed with invoking spirits."

"Does she possess the neophyte?" Diana inquired.

"Thankfully, no." Jordan answered.

Casually, Diana glared.

"Only a seasoned witch can evoke such power..." she professed. "Plus, she needs to channel the corners alongside the coven."

Anxiously, Jordan squinted.

"Or, arrange a seance governed by a sovereign of equal strength."

"We must inform Alex." Stephen invited as Jessica stared.

"I'm not sure we should."

"Why not?" Diana questioned, closing.

"For the same reason I alienated Luis; a war between species."

Of late, Karen was resolute and dedicated to securing the goddess's sovereignty. In view of this, Diana again conferred with her son.

"Alex's on his way."

"Alone?" Jordan interrogated.

"From what he said."

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

"If he becomes wise, he'll tell her." Diana explained as Jessica and Jordan readied.

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