Chapter 1

London, England

Lifetime natives of London, Luis is the son of Jim and Caroline Mortensen. Married in 1983, Jim, at age fifty-two, is a philosophy professor at Imperial University. While Caroline, at age fifty-one, is a notable emissary to the English government. Over the years, Imperial gained prestige by graduating gifted scholars. This is why Luis aimed to attend and pursue a law degree, while furthering a passion for ecological issues.

Whereas, Jim and Caroline felt most elated when graduation arrived. And though Luis shared their enthusiasm, thoughts dwelt on Karen. Since childhood, they'd been in love, but as one might expect, acted naive and defiant. For this reason, Karen's mother, Jessica, thought it better if the family moved away.

(A decision that ultimately left Luis heartbroken and distraught). On top of that, many of he and Karen's friends began attending the Lady of Victories. (An occultist church of the Wicca doctrine, fostering those with exceptional talents in witchcraft).

Among these are Sienna Quinn, Lesley Ashton, and Dena Pierce. Sisters of enchantment Karen had bonded with and considered family. Nowadays, her mother remains assertive, and with the aid of Arch Bishop Leon Luen, stifles these relationships.

In fairness, Karen wasn't like other girls, and suffered from a mysterious affliction. For that cause, Jessica sheltered Karen, and deemed Luis a threat. Even with that, three years had passed, and he stood determined to find her again.
Earlier that day, Caroline organized a banquet at the lavish Clove Club, knowing it'd be the ideal setting to relax and forget. After which, she'd remain secretive, expecting to hide the surprise from Luis.

“How do you feel?” Jim asked as Luis drew close.

Oddly enough, he didn't answer immediately, but based on their expressions, he'd made them proud. And for him, such feelings of fulfillment were agreeable.

“I don't know,” he replied. “It's been a long journey,”

Lovingly, Caroline embraced him.

“We're so proud of you,”

True to form, everything felt routine, so Luis wanted to get away and ready for a lengthy and calming summer.

“I need space,” Luis announced eagerly as Jim seized his cap and gown.

“You deserve it,” he proclaimed. “Though, there's one more thing,”

Accordingly, Luis chuckled.

“Why am I not surprised?”

In the interest of time, Caroline hurried everyone along, in anticipation of making their reservation. In doing so, Luis again recalled Caroline's fondness for the extravagant. And though he lacked her enthusiasm, it was something he expected.

“Where are we going?” Luis questioned, basing in the back seat.

Wavering, Caroline peered over the headrest.

“That's for us to know and you to wonder about,”

Slowly, but surely, the sun was waning, though the evening remained muggy. In which case, Luis savored the breeze in light of the neighborhood's deteriorating conditions. In recent times, disease and poverty were major concerns, so Luis aimed to broaden his involvement with the environment.

Meanwhile, the route to the Clove Club was often impeded by recurring traffic delays. On that ground, Caroline also reserved a suite at the Four Seasons at Park Lane. (An elaborate hotel located within the heart of London's economic sector). A costly expense, Luis believed, but one Caroline presumed was worth the peace of mind.

“This is madness,” Jim bellowed, brooding.

Right away, Caroline giggled and caressed his hand.

“Relax, I've taken the liberties,”

Needless to say, Jim did everything by the book, and punctuality remained atypical for someone of his stature and rearing. Whatever the case, Luis continually remained the voice of reason.

“Don't worry,” he expressed. “They'll honor the reservation.”

Gradually, Jim glanced into the rear-view mirror.

“I hope that's true,”

In short order, they'd arrive at the parking garage, where Jim unveiled an access card.

“Good evening,” an attendant greeted. “Surprising you overcame the traffic,”

On that note, Jim gestured.

“You know how it is,”

At that time, the attendant scanned the card and returned it.

“Will there be anything else?”

“Nothing, thank you,” Jim answered.

For awhile now, Luis seemed reserved, with a stout and well-defined expression. This being the case, his mother twisted and sniggered.

“When we arrive, circumstances will be different, I promise,”

In no time, they'd stand surrounded by a vast crowd of hotel employees. As guaranteed, the Four Seasons stood infamous for its service, so as patrons observed, each movement imitated a well-choreographed dance. From there, Jim and Caroline occupied a nearby curb while Luis surveyed the surroundings. Throughout their lives, his parents yielded luxuries, but Luis felt reserving such a domicile was extreme. Just the same, he remained vigilant while crews arranged suitcases.

“It's been some time.” An attendant asserted, welcoming the group.

In kind, Jim grinned and shook hands.

“It has indeed, but you'll see to the bags?”

Promptly, the bellhop twinkled and accepted a tip of one hundred pounds.

“Right away,”

Like always, Luis made light of the gesture and centered on the other patrons. Granted, he wasn't acquainted with them, but recognized what they embodied. Lest we forget, the Four Seasons also catered to an exclusive clientele.
And though Luis echoed the lifestyle, it never signified to him what it did to others. Along the same line, economic status held everyone under a whimsical spell. Thereby, he soon grew weary of the ever-present stereotype, and wished to ease the burden.

“Luis and I are going to the suite,” Caroline proclaimed to Jim, gesturing upstairs.

“An excellent idea,” Jim rebutted. “I'll tend to things here.”

Agreeably, Caroline nodded and motioned to Luis.

“Come on,”

Tenderly, Luis took a hand, and together, they entered the vestibule, heedful of only each other.

“We know this is breathtaking,” she explained. “However, I hope you can share in our excitement.”

Once more, Luis embraced his mother.

“I do, but I feel overwhelmed,”

Leisurely, Caroline worked through his dark hair.

“You miss Karen,”

Again, Luis looked into her eyes.

“I wish she could've been here,”

Briefly, Caroline struggled to think of a clever retort, but instead said nothing since Luis was right. From the outset, Karen's absence had created an immense void Luis was still struggling to manage. Regardless of circumstances, his mother appeared prideful, no matter who noticed. On a related note, hundreds of parents were there, but none appeared more spirited than Caroline. Though, as promised, Jim reemerged.

“Everything in order?” she contested.

Happily, Jim nodded.

“It is, and our bags will be waiting.”

A while later, Luis entered the suite, withdrew the drapes, and viewed the English countryside. As envisaged, the room was lavish, with striking resemblances to home. (Another welcome surprise following such a tumultuous day). In which case, Jim relaxed and took liberties with a bottle of champagne.

“A cocktail before we go?”

“No, thank you,” Luis denied, recoiling.

Advancing, Caroline regarded.

“I tried to reach Jessica; sorry,”

In short, his parents felt sympathetic, but Karen's exodus had also taken an emotional toll. Too, with graduation, Luis had renounced several long-standing friendships. As a result, his life was going through notable changes, with upheavals of emotion. Independent of that, Jim wanted to see his son happy.

“Take this,” his father insisted, once again, offering a cocktail. “It'll take your mind off of things,”

Grasping the glass, Luis sulked.

“I hope so,”

In due course, everyone entered the Four Seasons continental room. (An elegant conference suite, often reserved for the most elaborate guests). From the inception, Luis was to be the focal point of attention, though beforehand, Jim found his son seated alone at a rear table.

“Is it that bad?”

Sluggishly, his eyes lifted.

“I miss her,”

From every side, Jim despised his son's heartbreak, but there wasn't anything he could say or do to ease Luis's transition. Even still, he tried to choose the right words.

“I know she wanted to be here,”

“Then, why'd she leave?”

“You'll have to ask her one day,” Jim told. “Not the worse, I suspect Jessica had something to do with it,”

On that score, Luis escorted his father to the table.

“You know Karen's different,” Luis clarified. “Though, she's still a loving and compassionate woman,”

Jim lamented, but agreed.

“True,” he replied. “Albeit, never assume anything.”

Later on, Luis petitioned his mother as she chatted, and though seeming eager, he didn't interrupt. Even though the dialogue sounded repetitive and consisted of stories about old times. Thankfully, by chance, a distinct timbre would soon entice his attention.

“Are you going to ignore me?” A youthful damsel stated.

With ones own eyes, Luis gawked with instant recognition. And despite not seeing Heather in years, they'd embrace, wondering why Caroline hadn't reunited them sooner. It was no secret to anyone that she always favored Luis, even despite Karen's pursuits. Otherwise, Heather was the sort of woman who sparked interest. (An attractive redhead with a well-pronounced silhouette, and a smile that could melt the soul).

“You're going off to college?” Heather inquired, wide eyed.

“Yes -- Imperial,”

“Impressive,” she indicated. “Then, you'll be taking prelaw?”

Eagerly, Luis nodded.

“That's phenomenal,” she declared, caressing his hand. “Plus, your father being a professor helps.”

Directly, Luis seemed irritated, but let the comment pass as friends Trina Sinclair and Jasmine Lloyd arrived. They were his age, but acted older than their 18 years dictated. Be it what it would, they'd become friends despite Karen's objections.

To schedule, everyone adjourned inside, and though Luis appeared happy, thoughts often dwelt on the past. Seeing this, Jim wanted to convey his feelings without distressing his son. In this regard, he grasped a champagne glass and stood. All the while, Luis tittered, sensing his father was about to squander his integrity. Leaving aside, he never spoke in public, so he settled back and listened.

“On behalf of your family and friends, congratulations,”

On that note, Luis felt elated, but Jim needed to elaborate. At first, he had no idea what his father intended to say, or at least, judged so in the beginning. Even then, as Jim stared into the Four Seasons, it appeared urgent.

“Your mother and I stand delighted that you chose Imperial,” he professed. “Plus, having you close is a blessing.”

Not surprisingly, Luis felt excited despite the discreet candor.

“What's on your mind?”

At a slow pace, Jim withdrew and rubbed his chin.

“Don't worry about an internship,”

Instantly, Luis stood baffled, knowing his father held influence in many areas of commerce. Given this, it seemed he'd arranged favor and opened doors.

“What do you mean?”

“You'll work for Smith-Wellington & Davis in Wales,"

It's well known, they're a prestigious firm, so it presented an opportunity to learn from several esteemed attorneys. Albeit, during this time, Luis also grasped how the business world worked - along with the benefits of wealth and power.

"What can I say?"

"Two simple words will do," Jim joked, gazing.

Luis chuckled and embraced his father.

"Thank you,"