The Dark Society

67

The bonding ritual had solidified doubts and invoked unity, but since Paul had remained evasive everyone was intrigued. Nevertheless, while nearing the student gallery a recognizable face would provide Sabrina with instant clarity.

"Marc?"

"Sabrina?" he retorted.

"I'm surprised to see you."

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

Sabrina hesitated while recalling the conflicts between him and Michelle, plus Raina was unsure of his motives and had implored discretion.

"I'm checking into the summer programs, nothing major."

Tones soon grew harsh.

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

Sabrina trembled.

"How do you know about that?"

He smirked.

"News travels fast..." Marc revealed. "But it's the worst possible scenario I'm afraid."

She'd step away as he moved forth.

"Do you remember Karen Solomon?"

Hearing that, Sabrina tensed while hiding an obvious trepidation.

"Something wrong?"

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

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

"Regardless, she and I have never met."

Marc chuckled.

"As they say, be careful what you wish for..." he professed. "I have to be going - it was nice to see you and give Raina my best."

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

Later, Sabrina resolved to uncover the answers that eluded the most experienced investigators. Even then, her dark visions persisted while Marc's admission also resonated. Amidst it all, Sabrina cast doubts aside and began searching amid diminished echoes of Trina and Jasmine's final pleas.

An impractical vision considering she didn't remember being there though the details were as clear as if she had been. The clouded skies, obscured ravine and cryptic ending were incriminating specifics even Detective Stern didn't know about.

With this in mind, she considered Tatum's friendship recognizing that Stern would use it against her. This is why, until she gained proof of her innocence nothing she said would matter. Then again, Sabrina didn't need to defend herself, but if experience proved anything it was to expect the improbable.

Lastly, she regarded her parents understanding that she'd hidden the truth and disguised her intentions. Leaving aside, the coven wasn't the only motive for her secrecy. For some time, the reasons for the Morgans' exodus were inconclusive, so Sabrina needed to examine the sealed archives.

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

It said that Katherine had fled with two children after allegedly murdering her husband. However, to this day the ensuing searches uncovered nothing and everyone remains missing. In light of that, Sabrina sat discouraged because no proof of Trina and Jasmine's murders existed either.

Sometime later, she again identified with Katherine's portrait. Nothing oblique existed initially, but gazing closer something appeared unobtrusive; several centimeters above each of their left hands was an inscription.

Seeing this, Sabrina's eyes broadened realizing it was the same mark she shared. So, she hastily left for home desperate to find her mother. Observing this, Marc emerged from the shadows, collected the discarded documents and followed hoping to find Samantha.