The Dark Society

53

 Hazy blue skies accentuated the day. But, neither the sublime weather nor peaceful setting eased Anna's burdens. Setting that aside, she allocated time for a necessary meeting with Jennifer.

"Saint Ann's is no more," she confessed.

"How?" Jennifer questioned.

Anna leaned forward.

"Harold Morgan."

Jennifer's gaze lifted.

"He's alive?"

"And angrier and more powerful than ever."

Jennifer shrugged.

"He's come for redemption."

Anna squinted.

"Have you found Sam?"

Moving to the counter, she scowled.

"Soon enough."

Anna's expression hardened.

"She needs to know."

Jennifer lamented while peering through the window.

"She'll visit Saint Anthony's first."

"And after?" Anna asked.

She glanced back.

"Then she'll reunite with Sabrina."

Anna's face darkened with grief.

"Like Samantha, she too will feel his presence."

Anna recalled Samantha's ambitions and vowed to shield Jennifer from Harold's renewed rage.

"Sam will come for this," she announced, unveiling a small tin.

The bond between her and a once-loving soul was suffering. So, Anna revealed the only item that could provide clarity: Samantha's sacramental emerald.

"I can't believe you kept it!" Jennifer exclaimed, taking the gemstone.

Anna hesitated, remembering.

"When the time is right, it will call to her."

Jennifer observed the jewel.

"Furthermore, when--not if--Samantha discovers the truth, she'll feel betrayed," she continued.

"I expect as much."

Anna rose and approached the window.

"After Sam possesses this emerald, the ascension will be complete," she confirmed. "But if she confronts Harold first, she'll be powerless to resist."

It was an exchange they'd had many times. But, a contingency Anna lived with amid Samantha's continuous rebellion.

"Once that happens." Jennifer explained, "She'll stand with him regardless of what anyone does or says."

Anna's life mirrored Sam and Sabrina's exactly, so the next notion felt inevitable.

"It's her destiny," she suggested, "and Sabrina's."

"Others are coming--you know that," Jennifer stated.

"Yes," she answered while clasping her hands. "However, it's not our place to intercede since it's a conflict among themselves."

"It's not Harold's fault," she admitted.

Anna offered shelter in her words.

"Of course not."

Jennifer scowled.

"I won't abandon Sam."

"I don't expect you to." Anna retorted. "Though before Harold's summons grows stronger, we must find her."

"What about Sabrina?"

She stepped closer.

"Julia has things under control. But, unlike you, she doesn't know about Harold."

"All the same, she'll sense his and Samantha's presence. They all will."

"In time," Anna replied.

"Sam will resist," Jennifer emphasized.

She nodded.

"Let's hope she can," she disclosed, gesturing to the gemstone.

Sinister spirits shadowed the sect from the beginning. Initiating a deadly conflict within the dark society. For this reason, Saint Anthony's, the Lady of Victories, and many other covens began to organize.

The mystery enveloping the past seventeen years remained unsolved. In consequence, elders returned and a new order of shamans ruled. Preserving the delicate balance between the righteous and the wicked.