The Dark Society

96

 The Lady of Victories needed an accountable and charismatic ruler. So, as the invocation began, Luen finalized the transition. From then on, he and Paul reviewed Harold's scriptures and prepared "The Queen's Emerald". A sacred gem once adorned by the ordained witch, and a treasure belonging to her one true coven: the Pious Sect.

The luster of the stone was brilliant, adorned within a ubiquitous cloak of diamonds. Leon revered its power, though panic engulfed Paul's spirit. Luen feared the outcomes of unleashing such an unrivaled force. Knowing he would also play a pivotal role in Karen's death. Witnessing this, Paul focused, since Harold's magic carried adverse effects.

"How will we live with ourselves?" Leon inquired.

Paul approached, appearing anxious.

"I can't explain it," he confessed. "The coven's disillusionment, the Morgans' resurgence--nothing makes sense. Even still, the transitions began."

Luen contemplated.

"Karen may not survive. Moreover, the odds of viability diminish if this union is successful. Thus, we'll kill her before she can live."

Paul smirked.

"With this ailment, she'll die anyway," he asserted. "Whereas with renewed strength, such burdens will dissipate and she'll become most formidable."

Leon gazed upon Karen, remembering her naivety and forsaken innocence. All the more, he knew Paul was right--her disease was beyond anyone's control.

"Now isn't the time to second-guess our choices or concede to doubt," he stated. "Besides, the less people know, the better."

"Speaking of which," Leon added, "when Jessica learns what's happened, she'll kill us."

"Nonetheless, Karen will be a species' savior, as will Samantha and Sabrina," he divulged. "An inevitability I intend to exploit."

From then on, Paul prepared as Leon grasped Karen's hand. She felt warm and ready, but Luen felt troubled and reluctant to act. Like Paul, he also feared the rise of the genus and the war between ancestries.

Paul and Leon lurked in the shadows following the ritual, waiting. Unfortunately, neither performed a sacramental fusion before. However, Karen's spirit was strong and helped ensure its success. Moreover, hidden hatreds existed within her that'd now awakened. In the eyes of the world, she was a child. So, it stands to reason Karen's loss of sanctity wasn't by choice. Given this, she wouldn't be the first to integrate the spirit.

The Morgan sisters also stood to inherit their ancestor's wisdom. But until then, day witches held prominent roles over Samantha and Sabrina. Consolations of other sects endured for centuries, but sought to discredit. Karen's invocation with Nemesis would stand validated one day. But, until such time, the ritual was complete, and without enough spells, it'd worked.