Karen awoke to pearly satin draperies twisting in the dawn. The night before, she endured an eventful retreat to Camden Manor. Punctuated by voids of time, she couldn't explain. Rising from bed, she took the last of the Merlot and stepped onto the balcony.
Indulging in vivid memories as a chilled mist sprinkled against her skin. It'd been too long since Nemesis experienced tangible pleasure through a mortal host. So, as cravings returned, the goddess guided Karen to the bedroom.
Nemesis caressed Karen's sculpted figure with a deliberate touch, fulfilling each mortal inclination. Then, the goddess admired his bare form before sinking into bed and drawing the duvet. When Karen awakened hours later, she smiled--a bond consummated. A moment Nemesis longed for, and one that seasoned Karen's newfound vitality.
Entering the foyer, morning sunlight streamed through the windows. Karen felt the onset of a life never chosen, but bound to live. Yet, as contentment flourished, thoughts of Luis returned. Nemesis parted draperies and embraced possibilities of revenge. Once, she might've shown restraint.
Yet, Karen's disdain for Sabrina now fueled the goddess's purpose. Next, Karen retreated to the washroom, turned on the light and closed the door. Observing the reflection, Nemesis's demands grew. Thus, opening a cabinet beneath the sink, Karen withdrew a metal tin and set it on the counter.
"Open it and put it on," Nemesis commanded.
Hands trembled as she lifted the lid, revealing the goddess's sacred amulet. Tears streamed, because once Karen surrendered complete control, there would be no return. Everyone feared Karen's potential, and despite Jessica's wishes, she was ascending.
With the rise of covens and return of the Morgans, mankind's delicate balance was in jeopardy. Considering this, Nemesis invaded Karen's subconscious. Uniting unique strengths and insights that'd prove invaluable. Karen fastened the emerald around her neck. Moments later, breaths grew shallow as she finally yielded to Nemesis's will.
When he awoke that morning, Karen was gone. Some time later, he discovered her on the beach as tourist yachts secured moorings. Hence, he settled into a chair and engaged in conversation. He wouldn't tell Karen about growing concerns. Though, her sudden urges for seclusion were troubling. Plus, he wanted to keep her focused despite becoming distant.
Amid the growing conflict, the need to locate Jessica escalated. Because, he implored Karen to confide in him. But, she instead remained defiant despite the best intentions. As a result, he welcomed adaptability.
But, Karen wanted absolute power and pursued it through dangerous means. Still, he stayed silent, knowing opposition could derail the cause. Later, as subtle breezes stirred, Karen entered the house. Intentions were evident even despite the antisocial demeanor.
"I figured you'd sleep through the morning," she said. "But, I'm glad you didn't."
He supported Karen's planned trip to America. Knowing with Nemesis's strength, she'd likely succeed. All the same, he wouldn't discuss the subject due to its sensitive nature. That morning, he reached out to Luen and Steele, but neither replied. Karen wasn't asking probing questions, and the longer she remained docile, the better. The conversation continued, and though Karen didn't mind, suspicions stood aroused.
Meanwhile, Karen relished the euphoria of the morning's transformation. Giving in to temptation was easy. Though, the reality of wielding supernatural power held undeniable appeal. But, concerns proved valid, as the elders' suspicions stood confirmed.
"Is Karen relaxed and subdued?" came the voice on the other end.
"Yes, and I'll make sure she makes it to America."
After saying that, he recalled the frequency of Karen's impulsive decisions. But, with so much at stake, denying her wishes could prove catastrophic. So, not wanting to appear foolish, he continued following the elder's instructions.
"There's more," he added, setting down the phone.
"I'm listening."
"The ritual was successful. Karen integrated the spirit."
The line went silent before the most pertinent question.
"And?"
He smiled.
"She's adapted well."
"Continue as planned."
"Understood."
YOU ARE READING
The Dark Society
Mystery / ThrillerA powerful family of occultists unexpectedly disappear and for the next twenty years they live within society like normal people. However, as the eldest daughter reaches her 18th birthday the curse of a forgotten bloodline returns, along with the me...
