The Dark Society

86

 Alex approached his home with a growing unease. Grounds were silent, and awnings hung low. Yet, he assumed his parents would greet him, so Alex entered anyway.

"What's going on?" he wondered, scanning the empty foyer.

That morning, Diana called because Alex assisted Karen by betraying Jessica. However, Luis's insight proved invaluable. Besides, he understood better than anyone how to handle the situation.

Meanwhile, the air became cold and carried a moldy scent. Though, as Alex moved through the house, everything appeared normal. So, he climbed the stairs and began searching. But, approaching his parents' bedroom, subtle changes emerged.

"What's that?" he whispered, easing the door open.

The dim light made it hard to see. But, the bed looked made, while neat piles of laundry sat beside the dresser. Next, Alex moved to the window, though he suspected his sense of calm wouldn't last long.

"I thought Karen finished you at the villa..." A voice rang out from the shadows. "But it seems she failed."

His eyes widened in shock.

"It can't be!" Alex shouted. "Why are you here? What happened to my parents?"

"You'll never know."

Karen sat in stunned silence, though wasn't surprised. Trina and Jasmine opposed the Wicca movement. Thus, it's inevitable they'd provoke a reaction. Barring this in mind, she fled toward the North Sea, hoping to forget. Returning inside, Karen undressed and prepared for a shower.

Steam filled the bathroom as her hands moved across her body. First thinking of Alex, then of Luis's gentle touch. Occupying the vanity, Karen arranged tarot cards. Not long ago, she relied on intuition, but now she was reluctant to trust it. An unwanted doubt she hoped to overcome.

She laid out six cards in succession and turned the last. Karen trembled at the sight of the death card. Another ominous warning she'd have to heed. Now, the urge to find Alex consumed her. Though, Jessica was already warning Stephen and Diana. So, Karen remained cautious while approaching the Littleton home later that evening. On another note, no one knew Jessica's whereabouts, so she wasn't to leave Camden Manor.

Karen's curiosity drove her to risk everything. So, she pushed through the front door and stepped inside. The rooms appeared normal, except for the absence of light. Diana always kept curtains open, but in the foyer they remained drawn. Karen recalled Alex's demeanor after learning about Trina and Jasmine. Thus, she closed the door and began searching.

The estate had many nooks and rooms, but if Alex was hiding, he'd only use a few. She first checked the downstairs study, finding it scattered with papers. Someone left in a hurry, but then Karen noticed a document about Trina and Jasmine. She retreated upstairs, wondering if this was one of Alex's pranks. If so, she wasn't amused.

The second floor had only three rooms: Alex's, his parents' and a guest room. Diana usually kept the doors unlocked, but to Karen's surprise, they were all secured. A subtle detail that'd escape most people's notice.

Karen forced Alex's door open and immediately saw his possessions missing. As she walked toward the window, Karen felt dizzy as dark figures materialized. She thought Jessica's magic was at work. But, seeing the distorted images and strange symbols, she realized it wasn't.

"When you awaken, the life you knew will have ended..." a voice echoed. "And then eternity begins."