The Dark Society

106

Karen awoke to pearly satin draperies twisting in the dawn light. The night before, she had 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 had been too long since Nemesis had experienced tangible pleasure through a mortal host, so as the cravings returned, the goddess guided Karen back to the bedroom.

Nemesis caressed Karen's sculpted figure with deliberate touch, fulfilling each mortal inclination. After pulling back the coverlets, the goddess admired the unadorned form before sinking into bed and drawing the duvet close.

When Karen awakened hours later, she smiled--a bond had been consummated. It was a moment Nemesis had longed for, one that seasoned Karen's newfound vitality with divine power.

Entering the foyer as morning sunlight streamed through the windows, Karen felt the onset of a life she had never chosen but was now bound to live. Yet even as contentment flourished within her, thoughts of Luis crept back into her mind.

The goddess's intent was clear as Nemesis parted the draperies and embraced the possibilities of revenge. Likewise, where once she might have shown restraint, Karen's overwhelming disdain for Sabrina now fueled the goddess's purpose.

Next, Karen retreated to the washroom, turned on the light, and closed the door. She observed her reflection as Nemesis's demands grew stronger. Thus, opening a cabinet beneath the sink, she withdrew a metal tin and set it on the counter.

"Open it and put it on," Nemesis commanded.

Karen's hands trembled as she lifted the lid, revealing the goddess's sacred amulet. Tears streamed down her face as she understood that once she surrendered complete control, there would be no return. Everyone had feared Karen's potential, and despite Jessica's wishes, she was ascending to something far more dangerous.

Moreover, with the rise of covens and the possible return of the Morgans, the supernatural world's delicate balance hung in jeopardy. Considering this, Nemesis was invading Karen's subconscious, uniting unique strengths and insights that would prove valuable to darker objectives. Karen fastened the emerald around her neck and within moments, her breathing grew shallow and labored as she finally yielded completely to Nemesis's will.

When he awoke that morning, Karen was gone. Initially assuming she had gone to find a nearby café, he eventually discovered her walking the beach as tourist yachts secured their moorings for the day. Hence, he settled into a chair and engaged in conversation.

He wouldn't tell Karen about his growing concerns though her sudden urges for seclusion were troubling, and he felt compelled to observe. Plus, he was determined to keep her focused since it was clear she was becoming increasingly distant.

Amid the growing conflict, the need to locate Jessica became urgent. Meanwhile, he implored Karen to confide in him, but she remained defiant despite his best intentions.

As a result, he had embraced adaptability, but sadly, Karen wanted absolute power, and was pursuing it through dangerous means. Still, he stayed silent, knowing that any hint of opposition could derail their cause entirely.

Later, as a subtle breeze stirred, Karen entered the house. Her intentions were evident even through her antisocial demeanor.

"I figured you'd sleep through the morning," she said. "But I'm glad you didn't."

He had supported Karen's planned trip to America, knowing that with Nemesis's strength, she would likely succeed in her goals. But he wouldn't discuss the subject openly due to its sensitive nature.

That morning, he had reached out to Luen and Steele, but neither had replied. Strangely, Karen wasn't asking her usual probing questions--and the longer she remained docile, the better. Their conversation continued, and though Karen didn't seem to mind, he had clearly aroused her suspicions.

Meanwhile, Karen was relishing the euphoria of the morning's transformation. Giving in to temptation had been easy, and the reality of wielding supernatural power held undeniable appeal. But his concerns proved valid as his superior's suspicions were confirmed during their phone call.

"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 momentarily.

"I'm listening."

"The ritual was successful. Karen has fully integrated the spirit."

The line went silent before the next, most pertinent question came.

"And?"

He allowed himself a small smile.

"She's adapted well."

"Continue as planned."

"Understood."