The Dark Society

28

 Tainted skies mirrored the afflictions of recent times. Though the balance between light and dark remained constant. Anna sat in contemplation. Admiring portraits of many persecuted individuals she'd rescued from society.

Saint Ann's served as a sanctuary for vilified occultists. However, Anna never expected the devil she'd fled to resurface. With this in mind, she approached a bookcase and selected a single photograph.

She'd enriched Sam's life and remained a source of strength each other depended upon. However, Jennifer's decision to leave the sanctuary rekindled a rage Anna couldn't contain. Plus, the burden of secrets weighed so she again considered abandoning her vows.

Later that night, as residents slept, Anna stepped into the courtyard. Time seemed frozen, as it had on that fateful night seventeen years before. The night that forever changed Wicca culture. Nevertheless, she remained composed despite churning emotions and deteriorating circumstances.

Anna searched the chapel and examined each passageway. Sporadic embers flickered while an effigy of Christ shadowed every step. However, Anna soon gasped in horror as an inverted crucifix emerged from Jesus' brow. Terrified, she rushed toward the rear exit. But instead of grasping the handle, she turned back to stare at the altar.

"Impossible," she whispered, trembling.

From the shadows emerged the eerie silhouette of a forgotten enigma. And though Anna doubted her eyes, she recognized Harold Morgan. He appeared stern and battered, but eager to inflict suffering. Still, Saint Anthony's dark sovereign had returned. Yet, his divine power was now enslaved to darkness.

"You're alive," she stated.

"Surprised?" he muttered, drawing closer.

Anna tensed.

"I don't know where they are."

Harold cornered her between two massive stone pillars.

"We'll see."

When Anna awoke, fire, acrid smoke, and the sound of splintering timber greeted her. The remains of Saint Ann's smoldered in the distance, but Harold was gone. But unfortunately, so were Saint Ann's inhabitants. Whether killed or captured, she couldn't tell. All the same, Katherine was right: evil had consumed his soul.

Anna searched the ruins for two sacred torches, the key of eternal pathways, and a ledger of spells. Relics essential to Sam's practice and the Goddess she embodied. Before disappearing into the dawn, she surveyed the destruction. Now, certain Katherine and her children were in grave danger.