Chapter 19

Eagerly, the boys left for the dormitory, but amid the journey, Luis again grew weary. After all, it'd been some time since he saw Karen in a social setting, so he'd have to contain his animosity and remain cordial. Coupled with recent events, the university placed sanctions against the sect. And since many students supported the cause, they'd also faced scrutiny. As this happens, more secluded gatherings became commonplace throughout campus.

This is why the guest list for the reading only included a select few. And despite being besieged with demand, Lyndsey didn't alter Karen's arrangement. On the other hand, everyone wanted to see Sabrina, especially Luis.
Because, for months, she'd remained isolated from society, without any explanation. Otherwise, friends didn't judge her actions as abnormal, though Tatum remained troubled by the various dark episodes.

As expected, Karen, Sienna, Lesley, and Dena arrived first, followed by Alex, Luis, Kyle, and Logan. Although, Luis seemed reserved due to Karen's enticing glances and gestures. Witnessing this, Alex attentively watched, knowing of his lingering attraction to Sabrina.

Certainly, despite Karen's subtlety, she intended to shadow Luis and fortify their attraction. For leverage, she grouped everyone in an annular assembly, and settled on the sofa, resembling the girl he adored and loved. Seeing this, he groaned, recognizing the woman he once knew was changing.

"Who's going first?" Karen inquired, gazing.

"I will." Luis responded, pitching forth.

Predominantly, she stood enticed by the spontaneous readiness. And whether it was a renewed outlook or substituted honesty, Luis seemed eager to share her interests. In view of this, she gave Sienna a crafty wink as she arranged tarots. Expectedly, there'd be an aspect of performance, but none the less, everyone seemed enthralled.

"What's next?" he questioned curiously.

"We learn your future." Sienna retorted, yielding an initial card.

Time and again, Karen ogled, expecting to revive a lost spiritual connection. Although, tarots generally remained speculative, whether approving or antagonistic. Then again, a genuine occultist could interpret any literal meaning, so Karen stayed adept, anticipating a favorable reading. Whereas, Luis frequently fretted about her ever-changing attitude.

"The righteous Emperor." Sienna announced, turning to Luis.

Boldly, he smirked.

"And?"

Without delay, Dena leaned forward.

"It symbolizes fatherhood."

From nowhere, Tatum appeared pale and striving for breath, thus Lyndsey seized a hand and gaped.

"What's wrong?"

"They're connected." she whispered, inching forth.

"Everything alright?" Dena proposed.

Then and there, Tatum nodded and brushed away the question.

"So, can we continue?" Sienna quizzed.

"Of course." Karen insisted, gesturing.

Next, Sienna flipped an ensuing card, and placed it alongside the first.

"The righteous hermit..." she stated. "Outlining a future quest for righteousness."

In a flash, Sienna fashioned a third and decisive card, as Tatum recalled past readings with Sabrina. More often than not, she felt relaxed during those sessions, but now appeared terrified. In which case, she'd stay silent, though observant throughout the display.

"The incorruptible Death card..." Sienna revealed. "Foretelling change or the end of a cycle."

"It's what Sabrina drew, except upturned." Tatum announced, trembling.

That said, Kyle twisted.

"You've had sessions with Sabrina?"

Eagerly, Tatum nodded.

"She knows about this..." she clarified. "But, that reading seemed different, and the result was more specific."

Without haste, Logan inched closer.

"Go on."

Peering, Tatum groaned.

"Each card matched exactly, except one - the Emperor."

Anxiously, Lesley closed.

"So?"

"Instead, she drew the vertical Devil..." she continued. "The prophecy of evil, and blind revenge."

In a panic, Karen peered at Luis, believing the prophecy was correct, and Sabrina had captivated him for a reason. In this regard, she turned towards Dena, and their eyes met in a cold stare. At first, the sisters seemed obsessed with the revelation, but if Luen's teachings were also accurate, Sabrina typified a master manipulator.

Not surprisingly, Sabrina still hadn't arrived. (A recurring motif, despite extensive attempts to remedy it). But unbeknownst, she'd continued to endure many physical and spiritual transitions; evolutions only surpassed by the persistent burdens of the ascension. And thus, she remained nestled on the sofa, allowing the unknown to devour everything.

Some time later, she entered the bathroom and readied a shower. And as the steam arose, tensions seemed to ease: an oddity for the moment, but one nonetheless welcomed. However, closing the door, notice stood drawn to a crimson smear upon the handle. Initially, Sabrina strived to scream, but instead smirked, because though she didn't remember, the proof was clear.