The Dark Society

68

 Julia gazed into a twilight absent of moon or stars, thinking of Sabrina. She'd bonded with the elders, nurturing the connection to Saint Anthony's. However, mutual resentments escalated. Thus, she resolved to end the sovereign's corrosive influence. Julia recalled the pain of her niece and sister's absences. Not to mention Jennifer's cryptic insights. But, Tim soon arrived, and together they deliberated potential consequences.

"Checking up on me?" she asked when he appeared.

He grinned.

"No, I grew lonely."

She giggled.

"You were never a good liar."

Tim closed and took her hand.

"I've never seen you like this."

She peered into the skies.

"I know, but despite our efforts, it's happening."

"How did something so simple become so convoluted?"

She glanced at him.

"I wish I knew."

"What happens now?"

"Everything we feared," she advised. "Besides, Sabrina's ascending and exhibiting traits."

"It'll be worse if you say nothing," Tim said. "But, she deserves the truth, no matter how absurd."

Julia recoiled.

"Tim, what if after all these years it's Samantha and she's found Sabrina?"

He stared at her. "You think she won't...?" He paused. "Still, we need to believe she'll do what's right--Katherine does."

Julia gestured.

"I hope you're right, because Sabrina's adapting."

"Do you think she'll convert?"

Julia grew still.

"I don't know, but she's bonded with the coven. Plus, with Jennifer's connection to Sam, who knows what might happen?"

"So you've spoken with Jennifer?"

Julia considered this.

"Earlier today, and I'm convinced finding Sabrina wasn't a coincidence."

"You don't trust her?"

"At this point, I trust no one," she confessed. "After all, she's interested in Sabrina and knows about Samantha."

"There's no proof of a connection."

Julia exposed her wrist.

"Only my bloodline bears this mark, and she recognized it immediately."

"Jennifer's an emissary?"

"With Samantha involved, it's plausible."

"You sound certain."

Julia began pacing.

"Tim, Jennifer knows everything."

"But Katherine took precautions."

"Like Anna, she's a day witch," Julia explained. "An appointed mediator between Samantha and Sabrina."

"You've sensed Samantha's presence?"

Julia groaned.

"She's near--I can feel it. The energies are strong and undeniable."

"In that case, we should prepare."

"Yes," she announced. "Because it's only a matter of time."