The Dark Society

86

Progressively, Alex neared the house, though noted several subtle differences: the grounds were quiet, and the awnings stood lowered. (Most unusual for the time of day). Leaving aside, he assumed his parents would greet him, but passing through the front door, there was nothing.

"What's going on?" he thought, entering the foyer.

Continually, Diana's calls persisted, so he aimed to put any insecurities to rest. Suitably, he also felt torn, because he'd assisted Karen and betrayed Jessica's trust. For all intents and purposes, he missed Luis's insight, because he knew far better how to manage the situation.

All of a sudden, the air grew brisk and stood permeated by a moldy aroma. Contrarily, moving throughout the house, everything appeared ordinary, so he marched upstairs. Across all rooms, Alex searched, reserving his chamber until last. Though, approaching his parent's quarters, the subtleties of transition became more noticeable.

"What's that?" he pondered, easing inside.

Of course, the obscurity made clarity challenging, but the bed stood made, and a pristine parcel of laundry rested beside the dresser. In the wake, he shifted to the casement, relieved his paranoia stood baseless. Then again, the sense of calm wouldn't last long.

"I thought Karen finished you at the villa..." A voice rang out. "Except, it seems she failed."

Instantly, his stare widened.

"Can't be...!" he shouted. "Why are you here, and what's happened to my parents?"

"You'll never know."

For hours, Karen sat stunned, though not surprised. It was common knowledge, Trina and Jasmine opposed the Wicca movement, and it was academic they'd evoke a reaction. As a result, they'd been murdered, and the reality stood unimaginable. Which is why she fled into the surges of an enraged tide, expecting to forget.

Shortly thereafter, she returned inside, undressed, and readied a shower. Then, as the steam trickled through, hands traversed the contours of her body. Firstly, thinking of Alex, but soon after, Luis's gentle touch.

In this sense, Karen settled at the vanity and began arranging tarots. Not long ago, she relied on prophecy, but now remained reluctant to believe. (An unwanted compulsion she hoped to amend).

In succession, she arranged six arbitrary cards and flipped the last. At which point, Karen trembled at the sight of the death card. Another unforeseen admonition with implications she had to heed.

While this occurs, the need to find Alex thrived, though it was likely Jessica had already approached Stephen and Diana. Barring that in mind, Karen stayed guarded while nearing the house sometime later. Alas, she didn't know Jessica's whereabouts, so she was advised not to leave Camden Manor.

However, now that she had, Karen was risking everything due to an impulsive nature. Just the same, eyes fixed as she shouldered the entry and moved inside. At first glance, the inland anteroom appeared normal, except for an absence of light.

It's well known Diana favored the drapes open, but within each room, they remained closed. At that point, she recalled Alex's manner after learning about Trina and Jasmine, so Karen closed the door and started searching.

As one may expect, the estate had various niches and rooms, but if Alex stayed hereabouts, he'd only occupy a select few. For that reason, she'd traverse the downstairs mezzanine while navigating through a sea of miscellaneous papers.

From all appearances, it stood clear that someone had left in a hurry. It was then, Karen stepped onto the plush carpeting and noticed the narrative about Trina and Jasmine. Upon which, she retreated upstairs, pondering Alex's humorous nature. Albeit, if this was a joke, she wasn't amused.

Thankfully, the second floor had only three rooms: Alex's, his parents, and a guest quarter. Likewise, Diana kept these doors shut at all times, but to her disbelief, they were also ajar and unsecured. A subtle discrepancy that would've passed unseen to the ignorant optic. Again, Karen thrust against the grain and wedged the doorway, where she noticed most of Alex's possessions missing. Items she believed he'd put into safekeeping or taken with him.

Following, she sauntered towards the window, but suddenly grew dizzy as several sinister figures appeared. From the outset, she believed Jessica's magic was at work, though amidst the distorted images and unfamiliar inks, it wasn't.

"When you awaken, the life you remember will have ended..." A voice resonated. "Then, the eternality you desire will be yours."