The Dark Society

62

Much of the day, Sabrina's sisters toured a remote stretch of woodland dubbed Spring Creek. Taming with abounding trees and wildlife, it offered the perfect setting for reuniting with nature. By chance, temperatures were mild, so the coven exploited the conditions, though the dark specter of Saint Anthony's loomed in the distance.

By and large, persuading Sabrina would be difficult, because Paul had influenced the ascension despite Julia's reservations. Although, regardless of inexperience, she recognized the coercion. Just the same, the sisterhood remained forthcoming, in hopes she'd support the cause.

For some time, the coven had investigated the Morgan family legacy, despite Paul's efforts to conceal the truth. For this reason, he never divulged the location of Harold's journals, nor detailed the events of Katherine's final night. It was therefore Raina realized the deception, and the signs of a conspiracy.

"What should we do?" Denise questioned, tending scriptures.

Expectedly, Raina sneered.

"We're part of something that's lasted a thousand years..." she confessed. "Others have come, others will follow, but we live present-day."

Gradually, Rachelle inched forth.

"The psalms aren't conclusive."

"She's right..." Kim interjected, closing. "But, it does depict the elders return."

Grasping a rosary, Raina motioned.

"Speculation, uncertainty, and predictions, nothing more."

Drawing near, Denise groaned.

"What of the coven?"

"Our loyalty is to each other, and Saint Anthony's." Raina asserted.

"How can you be sure Sabrina will adhere?" Kim inquired.

Progressively, Raina clasped hands.

"The sacrificial ritual..." she professed, "After, our sect will reign, despite opposition."

By degrees, Rachelle converged.

"And the medallions?

"Safeguarded by the ancestry until the elders reclaim them." Raina clarified.

Nearing, Kim gazed.

"The scripture speaks of only two..." she reported. "A mother and daughter."

Nodding, Raina recollected.

"No, there's a third."

Instantly, the girls gathered, enthralled.

"Siblings?" Denise professed.

With regard, Raina moaned and prepared embers.

"Yes..." she alleged. "And though separated for a quarter millennium, they'll reunite."

"How can we be sure?" Rachelle questioned.

One by one, Raina ignited the tapers.

"Because the eldest has returned."

Gradually, Denise nervously moved closer.

"Samantha."

As of today, the fate of the omitted journals stood uncertain, but chronicled the lifetimes and customs of the Morgan family. Albeit, the names and locations of their children stood missing, along with any evidence proving the coven's existence.

Be it what it would, witches and warlocks had escaped, and due to that, the elder's return stood prophesied. (A new era of authority where reliance would stand challenged). Aside from that, one ambiguity remained: the notorious day witch. Labeled "the gray wrath", this seasoned apologist only appears once every thousand years.

Disguised as Simians, their actual persona remains anonymous despite having only one purpose: redeeming defiled witches from absolution and obscurity. (A resurgence Raina and the others had anticipated). Whatever happens, Michelle's pensive tone revealed a continued affliction, knowing Marc remains loyal to Paul's regime. A resolution that'd created a lasting effect on their kinship.

As a result, Michelle's link to the coven and Saint Anthony's felt jeopardized. Any which way, it supported the logic for abdicating Saint Anthony's, and Marc's apathy with Harold's journals. (Pursuits that'd elicit dreadful repercussions).

"You're worried." Raina stated, nearing.

"He's my brother..." Michelle avowed. "However, like Karen, Marc remains consumed with obtaining power."

"I know, but Paul and the church will oppose his ascent." Raina assumed.

"In that case, what happens to Marc?" Michelle questioned.

Presenting a lone smoky candle, Raina contemplated.

"Your siblings and his only remaining connection with reality..." she explained. "Although, like many others, he'll soon make a choice."

"Choice?" Michelle whispered.

"Between family and power..." she admitted. "The same choice Katherine faced twenty years ago."

"Except, like her family, she's gone." Rachelle uttered.

Shifting, Raina taunted.

"Don't be so sure."