The Dark Society

67

The bonding ritual had solidified doubts and invoked unity, but Paul's evasiveness left everyone intrigued. But, as Sabrina neared the student gallery, a familiar face provided instant clarity.

"Marc?"

"Sabrina?" he responded, surprise evident in his voice.

"I'm surprised to see you."

"I can imagine," he said. "What are you doing here?"

Sabrina hesitated, recalling the conflicts between him and Michelle. Likewise, Raina had been unsure of his motives and urged discretion.

"I'm checking into summer programs. Nothing major."

Their tones soon grew harsh.

"Have you heard about Trina and Jasmine?" he inquired. "I understand it's become a homicide investigation."

Sabrina trembled. "How do you know about that?"

He smirked. "News travels fast. But it's the worst possible scenario, I'm afraid."

She stepped away as he moved forward.

"Do you remember Karen Solomon?"

At those words, Sabrina tensed, barely hiding her trepidation.

"Something wrong?"

"Shocking to hear such news," she replied carefully. "But Karen lives abroad, so I'm surprised you're acquainted."

"Well," he added, "her coven regularly attends various Wiccan exhibitions, so we often see each other."

"I've never met her myself."

Marc chuckled. "As they say, be careful what you wish for. I have to go--it was nice seeing you. Give Raina my best."

Sabrina pondered his revelation, knowing Luis, Alex, and Karen were close. Yet none of them had ever mentioned having acquaintances abroad, nor anything about Trina and Jasmine.

Later, Sabrina resolved to uncover the answers that eluded even the most experienced investigators. Meanwhile, her dark visions persisted while Marc's admission echoed in her mind. Yet despite her doubts, she began searching amid the diminished echoes of Trina and Jasmine's final pleas.

It was an impractical vision--she didn't remember being there, yet the details were as clear as if she had witnessed everything firsthand. The clouded skies, the obscured ravine, the cryptic ending--these were incriminating specifics that even Detective Stern didn't know about.

Additionally, she considered Tatum's friendship, recognizing that Stern would use it against her. But, until she found proof of her innocence, nothing she said would matter. Then again, Sabrina didn't need to defend herself, but experience had taught her to expect the improbable.

Finally, she thought of her parents, understanding that she'd hidden the truth and disguised her intentions. However, the coven wasn't her only motive for secrecy since the reasons for the Morgans' exodus had remained inconclusive. And with that, Sabrina needed to examine the sealed archives.

Newspaper columns and other regional accounts were available, but upon reviewing the literature, she found many narratives missing. However, while probing further, one article included eyewitness statements and police photographs.

It stated that Katherine had fled with two children after allegedly murdering her husband. To this day, the ensuing searches had uncovered nothing, and everyone remained missing. Seeing this, Sabrina sat discouraged since no proof of Trina and Jasmine's murders existed either.

Later, she found herself drawn again to Katherine's portrait. Nothing seemed unusual at first, but gazing closer, something appeared unobtrusive: several centimeters above each of their left hands was an inscription.

Sabrina's eyes widened as she realized it was the same mark she bore. Thus, she hastily left for home, desperate to find her mother.

Observing from the shadows, Marc emerged, collected the discarded documents, and followed, hoping to find Samantha.