The Dark Society

100

The chapel had been devoid of movement or sound for some time, and Karen had disappeared along with any signs of her previous presence.

"We have to find her," Leon muttered, squinting as he searched the shadows.

Paul anxiously agreed, but as his anticipation grew, so did his fears of the unknown. Karen's presence was still evident somehow, but what she had become remained a mystery.

Meanwhile, several shrines were experiencing strange symbolic variations--tapers that had been extinguished now burned with renewed warmth and vibrancy. The atmosphere, previously stagnant, now felt pure and renewing.

Paul and Leon didn't know what to expect, but they soon found Karen crouched before an emblem of the sacred union. They had witnessed inexplicable displays of magic time and again, but this defied even the laws of enchantment.

Karen had adopted the ritual insignias of the sacred sect: earrings, bracelets, and a large pendant missing its central stone. Witnessing this transformation, Leon and Paul retreated as the figure turned toward them with piercing intent.

"Nemesis?" Leon whispered.

"And you are?" she retorted, her voice sultry and distorted.

"Forgive us, Your Majesty. I'm Bishop Luen..."

"And I'm Sovereign Steele," Paul added.

Nemesis no longer embodied Karen's former innocence, so Leon and Paul remained cautious under the goddess's perpetual gaze.

"Are you responsible for this?" she inquired.

"Yes," Paul admitted, stepping back.

"Did Karen survive?" Leon questioned.

The goddess smiled coldly.

"She did. Now we are one."

"Karen's only a child," Paul emphasized. "Inexperienced and vulnerable."

The goddess scowled.

"She is an ancestress and ascending elder. That's why you chose her, is it not?"

"It is," Paul confirmed. "In which case, you now know everything?"

She sneered.

"If you're referring to the covens' rebellion, the impending war, and the Morgans' inevitable return, then yes."

"What happens now?" Paul whispered.

Nemesis felt conflicted as her consciousness continued merging with Karen's. However, they could no longer exist apart and would perish during any forced separation. Thus, Leon and Paul had subjected Karen to an inescapable fate.

Yet Nemesis was known as a ruthless warrior and protector of her people, meaning Karen had gained powerful safeguards. Luckily, Leon and Paul's questions were straightforward, so the goddess responded in kind.

"The cult will fall, and its remnants will be absorbed into a new collective," she explained.

"You'll need the jewel," Paul announced.

"I know."