The Dark Society

108

 Alex arrived at the Lady of Victories, eager to confront the cult. Upon entering, tapers flickered along each passage, while ancient volumes lined prominent shelves. His heart raced, understanding the sect possessed Karen's abilities. Unfortunately, he knew they'd stand against him to protect the temple. With this in mind, he entered the place Karen described, but never expected to see: the main throne room.

Radiant sunlight streamed through colorful stained-glass windows, while full-length tapestries adorned every wall. More, a second collection of ancient relics filled several adjacent shelves. Each relic, crafted from pure porcelain, depicted a particular goddess. A narrative Karen defined, but Alex was only now beginning to understand. Without realizing it, he ventured into a supernatural world where imagination became reality.

"We've been expecting you," Sienna whispered, stepping forward.

Alex looked surprised, as she and Lesley approached. When Dena drew near, however, she displayed a rage unlike anything he'd ever seen. Cordial and outgoing since childhood, but recently--like Karen--Dena desired absolute power. One way or another, he sought common ground.

"I need help," he pleaded.

Lesley retrieved a ledger, placed it on the desk and opened it.

"Come."

Alex approached as Sienna and Dena watched.

"What's this?" he asked.

"The spells required to perform an exorcism," Sienna explained, scanning text.

"An exorcism?" he questioned. "Do you mean expelling a demonic spirit?"

Alex's knowledge of magic seemed limited, much to his regret. So, the elders aimed to clarify, hoping he'd understand.

"Yes," Dena confessed. "But, once the spirit escapes, the host dies."

Alex appeared fearful, grasping the gravity of the situation. Though, he wasn't a practitioner and knew nothing about exorcisms.

He turned toward the door.

"Impossible. I can't believe it."

"The woman you love is gone, as is our sister!" Dena shouted. "Forever merged with the soul of a demon!"

Alex whirled around, anger flashing in his eyes.

"What? How?"

She stepped closer.

"Bishop Luen and Sovereign Steele."

He pondered Karen's rivalry with the church and the animosity between them.

"What about them?"

"They used Sovereign Morgan's psalms to invoke the spirit of Nemesis," Sienna explained. "The experiment failed, and now Karen stands condemned to death."

Alex scoffed and turned away.

"The truth isn't easy, but necessary," she continued. "You must accept it before emotions dictate actions. Besides, if Karen follows through, she'll be no match for the Morgans."

"Morgans?" he questioned. "I thought they were a myth, and Sabrina was an only child."

"No," Lesley interjected. "She's second generation--the younger sister of elder Samantha Morgan."

Alex moved closer.

"She never mentioned a sister."

"Exactly," Dena answered. "For almost twenty years, they remained separated. However, due to their mother's magic, neither remembered."

He grew angry again.

"What else?"

"Each represents a powerful coven," Lesley proclaimed. "So, conflicts between them were inevitable. Despite that, we didn't understand Sabrina's lineage in time to exploit it."

"So?"

Sienna approached. "Trina and Jasmine discovered the truth, and they disappeared. Now Tatum Cotour and Lyndsey Graham are missing."

"You're certain?"

Dena scowled.

"No one's heard from them in weeks, and all attempts to contact them have failed."

Alex felt shocked. He knew about Trina and Jasmine, but not Tatum and Lyndsey. Unlike the first two deaths, however, there was no proof substantiating these claims. So, he kept his suspicions to himself.

"Regardless, Karen has gone to America," he said. "If she intends to confront Sabrina, I'll stop her."

Dena showed sympathy, but knew he'd fail. So, she pleaded with him one last time.

"This is beyond you, and efforts will prove futile."

Alex groaned.

"It's like she always told me: everyone has a destiny, and if it's mine to save her, then that's what I'll do. Besides, I made a promise and intend to keep it."

Lesley gathered a small container from behind the altar.

"What's this?" he asked.

"A rare emerald," she answered, opening the box. "Every witch has one, and it holds the origin of a sorceress's vitality."

Alex admired the sisters' gems.

"This was Karen's," Sienna added, presenting the stone. "If you truly want to save her, place this around her neck."

"Will it work?"

"If placed by one of her own, it's possible," Dena testified. "However, such a revival has never succeeded, so I can't promise anything."

"One of her own?"

"Yes," she confirmed. "Either Jessica or Jordan. No one else."

The elders admired his dedication, but Alex wasn't one of them and lacked their gifts. Even so, he left the temple determined to find Karen's parents. Whatever happens, the sect's future felt uncertain. Making it imperative for the coven to safeguard the church.

Meanwhile, Bishop Luen and Sovereign Steele exiled following Karen's invocation. A ceremony that, if discovered, carried dire consequences. As a result, Dena succeeded Luen. As a result, those once thought forgotten returned.

"Everything's in order," Kyle reported.

Dena embraced him as Logan, Lesley and Sienna gathered. As of today, Karen's strength remained unknown, but Jessica's influence was infamous. Still, the coven wars loomed, and a conflict with Saint Anthony's seemed inevitable.