The Dark Society

62

The coven toured a remote stretch of woodland this morning dubbed Spring Creek. Teeming with abundant trees and wildlife, such an area provided a perfect setting for reuniting with nature. The temperatures were surprisingly mild, so they took advantage of the conditions, though the dark specter of Saint Anthony's loomed in the distance.

On another note, persuading Sabrina would be difficult because Paul was influencing the ascension against Julia's wishes. Yet despite her inexperience, she would recognize the coercion. Meanwhile, the sisterhood had remained persistent, hoping she would help defend the cause.

They had unknowingly investigated the Morgan legacy for some time, even amid Paul's attempts to conceal the truth. For this reason, he never divulged the location of Harold's journals or the events of Katherine's final night. Therefore, Raina also realized the deception and recognized the signs of a conspiracy.

"What should we do?" Denise questioned while tending to the scriptures.

Raina sneered.

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

Rachelle stepped forward.

"The psalms aren't conclusive."

"She's right," Kim interjected. "But they do depict the elders' return."

After grasping a rosary, Raina gestured.

"It's already begun."

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 comply?" Kim inquired.

Raina clasped her hands.

"The sacrificial ritual," she declared. "Then our sect will reign without opposition."

Rachelle moved closer.

"And the medallions?"

"Safeguarded until the elders reclaim them," Raina clarified.

Kim gazed thoughtfully.

"The scriptures speak of only two," she reported. "A mother and daughter."

Raina reflected.

"No, there's a third."

Everyone instantly gathered around her.

"Siblings?" Denise asked.

Raina sighed and prepared the embers.

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

"How can we be sure?" Rachelle questioned.

One by one, Raina ignited the tapers.

"Because the eldest daughter has returned."

Denise nervously moved closer.

"Samantha."

The fate of the missing journals remained uncertain, but they extensively chronicled the Morgan family's lifetimes and customs. However, the names and locations of their children were missing, along with any evidence proving their true allegiance.

Be that as it may, witches and warlocks had escaped, so the elders' return was expected--a new era of authority where traditional power structures would be challenged. Aside from that, one mystery remained: the notorious day witch. Labeled "the Gray Wrath," this seasoned figure appears once every thousand years.

Disguised among mortals, their identities remained anonymous, but each existed for a purpose: rescuing fallen witches from obscurity. It was a resurgence Raina and the others had anticipated.

Whatever might happen, Michelle's pensive tone revealed a continued inner conflict, knowing Marc remained loyal to Paul's regime--a situation that would create lasting tension in their relationship.

Additionally, any connection to the coven or Saint Anthony's felt jeopardized, which explained her logic for considering abandoning the sect, as well as Marc's indifference toward Harold's journals--pursuits that would bring dreadful consequences.

"You're worried," Raina observed.

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

"I know, but Paul will oppose such ambition," Raina assumed.

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

Presenting a lone, smoky candle, Raina contemplated.

"Your siblings are his only connection to reality," she explained. "Although, like many others, he'll have to make a choice."

"Choice?" Michelle whispered.

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

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

Raina smiled mysteriously.

"Don't be so sure."