The Dark Society

97

 Tatum endured heartbreak time and again due to Lyndsey's uncharacteristic actions. Even so, their flight was departing, so she pushed aside any animosity. However, after examining the tickets, another unusual discrepancy emerged.

"What's wrong?" Lyndsey asked.

"The reservation..." Tatum said, holding up a ticket. "We have separate seats."

"Oh yeah..." Lyndsey explained with a gesture. "Since it was short notice, it's all they had left. Did I do something wrong?"

"No..." Tatum answered. "As long as we get there."

A short time later, Lyndsey received an unexpected message.

"Who is it?"

"Karen," she replied. "Wishing us safe travels to America."

Tatum pulled out her phone as Lyndsey stared.

"What are you doing?"

"Calling Alex," she said. "He's the only one who knew about our trip."

Lyndsey snatched the phone and scowled.

"We have a plane to catch, remember?"

Tatum gasped.

"What's gotten into you?"

Lyndsey smirked and turned away.

The girls boarded later that morning among a sparse crowd of travelers. Odd for the time of year, but expected nonetheless. The view was perfect against this backdrop: cloudless blue skies and ideal weather.

Tatum smiled, but noticed Lyndsey again wearing Karen's ring. Ergo, she pulled out her phone and texted Sabrina. Tatum felt torn between suspicion and reality. Trapped in a situation she'd never thought possible. Still, she didn't panic and stayed calm.

"Have you seen my companion?" she asked the flight attendant, gesturing toward Lyndsey's empty seat.

The attendant shrugged and looked around.

"No, I'm sorry."

Tatum searched the cabin as the plane prepared to taxi. But, after taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes and thought. After all, Lyndsey wouldn't leave the plane or change seats without notice. So, she relaxed and waited. The engines roared, but Lyndsey still hadn't returned. Panicking, Tatum questioned the flight attendant again, fearing the worst.

"Your friend left some time ago."

Tatum stood immediately and followed. But, gathering bags, a familiar face appeared.

"Kyle?"

Meanwhile, Lyndsey returned to the terminal feeling conflicted. She'd played her part, and the sisterhood appeared pleased.

"What have I done?" she thought as Logan escorted her outside.

"Finish it," Dena ordered.

"But she's a friend."

Dena smiled as Logan turned to follow. Dena's schemes were working, and with renewed purpose, she'd strengthen the coven. Unfortunately, however, Karen's extended absence sealed Tatum's fate. It's an unforeseen outcome, but one Dena somehow anticipated. In the end, lifelong loyalties seemed tested. Ergo, as Logan escorted Lyndsey from the terminal, he chose a different path.

"It's no longer safe," he warned. "I need to get you far away from here."

She looked at him in confusion.

"I don't understand. Are we in danger?"

"Not yet," he replied. "And I intend to keep it that way."