The Dark Society

51

Sabrina felt understandably awestruck by his renowned accomplishments, but she still heeded her mother's advice about pastors from foreign provinces. Unfortunately, she had no memories of Saint Anthony's, and Paul's overzealous behavior put her on the defensive.

"You're staring," she stated.

He winced.

"Forgive me," Paul said. "You resemble your mother in every way."

"My mother?"

Paul smiled.

"An ordained witch who once served this temple. However, due to unknown circumstances, she abandoned this sect."

"She never told me," Sabrina replied.

"I don't imagine she would."

Sabrina was struggling to control her various powers and needed guidance. So, the sovereign led her into the hallway where she would discover the source of the summons.

"It's her!" she announced, approaching a life-sized statue of the Goddess Aphrodite.

"You know the mythology?"

"One of the many inherited legacies my mother told me about," she answered.

Paul retreated as Michelle and Raina returned.

"If you'll excuse me, I must prepare," he said.

Sabrina watched him leave with keen interest, finding his sudden departure odd.

"Does being here stir any memories?" Raina asked, embracing her.

"I'm not sure," Sabrina replied.

The sisters joined hands and entered the churchyard. Ironically, Aphrodite had triggered a reaction similar to those Sabrina had experienced in London.

Notwithstanding this, Sabrina remained calm as Raina led her through another elaborate corridor decorated with intricate wickerwork--an ambiance the coven remembered from a lifetime of intimate rituals.

However, this setting was new with many unknowns, so the sisters watched as Sabrina gazed around in wonder. Unbeknownst to anyone, Raina had consulted Julia about the effects of ascension but had refrained from mentioning anything so far.

Next, Sabrina explored the chambers, savoring everything with reverent curiosity. Witnessing this, Raina's fears were confirmed: Sabrina's connection to Saint Anthony's was real, and she had embraced the goddess's strength. Ergo, those once thought forgotten had inevitably returned.

"Sabrina."

She turned.

"Denise."

Draped in black robes, Denise Hawthorne embodied everything a benevolent witch should be. But though she appeared mesmerizing, others would soon follow--eager to complete the circle.

"Kim Savage and Rachelle Sullivan," she whispered.

The greetings were tender as the sect encircled and embraced. And though Sabrina had moved away months ago, with her return, the coven was unified again.

The women entered the chapel together for the first time in months, and to Paul's surprise, the congregation fell silent. Thus, he retreated to the central podium, intent on suppressing their excitement.

Meanwhile, Sabrina felt the spiritual impulses, but being within Saint Anthony's again had awakened new and inexplicable sensations. All the same, the doctrines about reverence were clear, so despite the attention, she exercised restraint. Regardless of that, Paul felt fearful, and after sensing Sabrina's aura, he understood why.