The Dark Society

27

Dusky skies cast shadows across everything, but Anna passed through the memorial gardens, mindful of nature's looming fury. Tremors surged through the earth, yet as a seasoned day witch, she had always heeded the messages within her environment.

However, even despite her countless pleas for amnesty, the psalms were coming to fruition. So, she fortified the cathedral, determined to protect the temple's occupants.

She had endured alone since the beginning, leaving little room for empathy. Yet Katherine Morgan had changed her life, and Anna thought of her often, hoping she had found contentment. She also considered Harold, and despite his inability to escape Saint Anthony's, she remembered him fondly.

The skies darkened further and the winds intensified, thus the south gate became unhinged and began swinging wildly in the gusts. Then, just as the heavens were about to erupt, Anna stood shocked, staring into the distance.

"Samantha?"

Samantha immediately passed through the gate, latched it securely, and escorted Anna inside, where they shared a welcomed embrace.

"Let me look at you," Anna remarked, pulling back to study her visitor.

She had tutored Samantha since childhood and shielded her from negative energies. However, though some similarities to that young girl remained, Saint Ann's most coveted student now seemed different. Nevertheless, they settled within the chapel to savor a warm cup of tea.

"Anna, I need to know," Sam demanded, taking a sip.

Anna recalled the night Sam had arrived, replaying it again and again, but she remained prudent, knowing the consequences of revealing the truth. Instead, she offered Samantha a porcelain figurine.

"What's this?"

Anna smiled. "An effigy of Hecate--your goddess."

"What am I supposed to do with it?"

Anna leaned forward. "You'll know soon enough."

Anna wanted to confess everything, but if the prophecies were accurate, Samantha needed to remain sheltered. Not only that, she now exhibited distinct auras of darkness, and soon Saint Anthony's would beckon.

"I shouldn't have come, but I had to see you," Sam said.

Anna's expression grew somber. "I know."

Samantha scowled. "I don't know what to do. I'm burdened by thoughts and images I can't define."

Anna pondered this. "Then you've felt the summons?"

"Yes, but you already knew that," she retorted. "The adversities aren't the worst part--it's the absences that are detrimental."

Sam drew closer. "Who are they? And where do I find them?"

Anna cringed. "First, you must reunite with Jennifer."

Sam's posture relaxed. "I met with John and Cindy. She's gone to a place called Cottonwood Falls."

"Oh no."

Sam snapped to attention. "What is it?"

Anna swayed slightly. "Nothing," she insisted. "I presume she's seeking sanctuary."

"From what?"

Anna rose and gazed upon a distant portrait. "Sam, everyone has a destiny. Now it's time to fulfill yours."

"I can't control the transitions," Sam clarified. "Physical, emotional, psychological--it's impossible."

She moved closer to Anna. "I have no past except for the mosque, although I know there's more."

Anna continued studying the painting, recalling its relevance.

Sam seized her hand. "What aren't you telling me?"

Anna's eyes lifted to meet hers. "It's no longer safe here. You must go."

Sam recoiled but knew Anna wasn't dismissing her without reason, and despite how hurtful the sentiment was, she would heed the warning. Inevitably, Anna recognized Sam's anguish but remained hopeful, despite knowing the truth.