The Dark Society

50

Sabrina prepared for service as nightfall approached. She had already abandoned her schoolgirl facade and embraced darker traits--an obsession that had shaped her existence thus far. Despite everything, she greeted everyone warmly, even under Julia's persistent stare.

"Look at you," Michelle declared, drawing close.

Sabrina chuckled and embraced her.

"Heading out?" Julia interjected.

"Yes..." her daughter answered, turning to Michelle. "We shouldn't be too late."

Sabrina rarely made excuses, but she was clearly disguising her true motives. Even still, Michelle had always watched over her daughter, though Julia now questioned her reasons for doing so. Nevertheless, Tim's humor felt necessary as he entered the room.

"I thought Halloween was in October?" he joked, inspecting the girls' attire.

Michelle grinned. "Oh, stop... She's beautiful."

Julia locked eyes with Sabrina, who looked away. She had sensed the deception all along, but Sabrina had followed through anyway. However, the decision to conceal her intentions only confirmed the effects of the family's inherited curse. With that, Tim watched as Julia advanced, visibly angered.

"What is it?" he questioned.

"She lied to me," she whispered before retreating to the living room.

Later that evening, the girls arrived in Strong City and parked outside Saint Anthony's. Sabrina seemed withdrawn and contemplative, though surprisingly eager.

"How is this supposed to go?" she asked, gazing at the church.

Michelle giggled. "It's not your first sermon... Plus, everyone's expecting you."

"Everyone?" Sabrina questioned.

"You'll see."

Despite popular opinion, everything made sense. Even so, friends in London had failed to understand that distancing herself from the crowds had become necessary, so Sabrina had returned home prepared to embrace her destiny.

"I have to ask..." Michelle announced, peering into the rearview mirror. "How are you coping?"

"It's been interesting."

From experience, Michelle understood, but Sabrina wasn't eager to discuss personal matters. This way, she could avoid too many questions.

"I can only imagine," Michelle replied.

"I'm tired of the mystery," Sabrina continued. "I want to be normal, like everyone else."

"But you're not," Michelle affirmed, gesturing to the birthmark.

Sabrina noted the diverse group as they entered the church. Though she didn't know them, she somehow felt connected. The unknown callings persisted, confirming her initial instincts--there was something more.

"It's time," Michelle said, motioning Sabrina inside.

They passed through the darkness and accessed a secluded rear entrance, where they encountered another familiar face.

"Raina?" Sabrina gasped.

"Welcome home, sister," she responded, offering an embrace.

"I missed you."

"Likewise."

Raina had been influential in Sabrina's life since childhood, but like Michelle, she had adopted a more cultish appearance--ruby red hair tinted with black, and attire carefully coordinated. Something unexpected but welcome.

Sabrina observed a niche adorned with twin leather couches and large canvases, set against a stark background that displayed a recognizable phrase:

"See through the lies - Truth is everywhere."

Sabrina thought of Jennifer instantly--it was the exact phrase she had uttered on the plane and again during her unexpected visit to the family home. Now she recognized its significance, despite the multiple interpretations.

Meanwhile, she repeatedly noted Raina's changing demeanor. Almost entirely vigorous and energetic, yet also relaxed and formal. She would disregard this oddity since Raina's behavior seemed forced.

"What now?" Sabrina questioned.

"Someone wants to meet you," Raina admitted, gesturing forward.

A tall, clean-cut man in ankle-length robes entered, closing the curtains behind him.

"Sabrina..." he greeted. "I've been expecting you."

"And you are?" she asked.

With a subtle nod, he smiled. "Sovereign Paul Steele."