The Dark Society

109

Alex was tormented all day, knowing he had betrayed Karen's trust by consulting the coven. Driven by guilt and desperation, he repeatedly searched through her concealed belongings, seeking her private journal--a ledger that would reveal Karen's recent thoughts and experiences.

While he was rifling through her things, Jessica and Jordan arrived unexpectedly, both furious and distraught.

"Where is she?" Jessica demanded as she burst through the door.

"Gone," Alex answered simply.

Jessica ran her fingers vigorously through her dark red hair and scowled. "To the islands?"

Alex paused, realizing that only Karen knew for certain. "I suspect she went to America, but she's... different now."

Jordan stepped closer. "What do you mean?"

"By her coven's admission," Alex clarified. "Karen was forced to invoke the spirit."

"That's impossible!" Jessica protested. "Besides, the ascension isn't complete."

Unbeknownst to anyone, Karen had been acquiring specific spells over time, expecting to strengthen her spirit. With this discovery, Alex felt deeply ashamed--he had acted against their collective will and aided Karen's diabolical cause.

Likewise, Jessica's resentment intensified, knowing she bore equal responsibility. Regardless of blame, finding her daughter mattered most, and if memory served, she knew where to look.

"Stay out of this," Jessica insisted as she and Jordan prepared to leave. "We'll handle it."

"I've never understood any of this occult business," Alex stated, "but I understand Karen."

Jessica glared at him.

"And if your assumptions are correct," he continued, "and you truly intend to save her, then you'll need this."

Alex slowly unveiled a ruby satin case containing Karen's inherited gemstone and presented it to Jessica.

"Where did you get that?" she demanded.

"That's not important," Alex replied, offering her the ancient stone. "What matters is saving your daughter."