The Dark Society

90

Samantha had retreated to the Birdsong, burdened by the images of a family she'd identified with. More importantly, there was something in the basement of the Kole home--something symbolic.

Meanwhile, she focused on Jennifer, whose recent actions personified the qualities of a reformed woman. Nevertheless, as Samantha settled in, an unexpected thump echoed throughout the house.

"Anna?" she whispered after opening the door.

Jennifer suddenly emerged, appearing weary and panicked, but as everyone embraced, it was as though nothing had changed. Even so, Anna had guarded Katherine's secret, yet with the coven wars looming, the truth needed to be told.

"Your father's alive."

Jennifer gasped.

"How...?" she uttered. "It's been seventeen years."

Sam immediately noted Jennifer's tone and sensed the reality of betrayal.

"What's she talking about?"

Anna seized Jennifer's hand.

"It's alright--she needs to know."

"The departure ticket..." she explained. "I left it hoping you'd follow."

Hearing this, Anna paused, sensing something more.

"You've found Sabrina."

"First at the Bistro and then again this morning..." she replied. "So I followed her and saw another with this..." Sam added, pointing to her birthmark. "Then..." she continued, "I found Saint Anthony's."

Anna moved to the window and parted the drapes.

"During this time, I also met a caretaker who somehow knew me..." she elaborated. "An illusion I didn't recognize until I recalled where I was..." Sam scowled. "But I guess that's to be expected now, isn't it?"

Jennifer stared.

"What did he tell you?"

"Sabrina's the reason you lured me here..." she continued. "Then you knew I'd find the church, the Kole home, and question the connections. So who are they?"

Anna sighed.

"Your family."

Sam appeared angry.

"All this time and neither of you said anything..." she stated. "Allowing me to believe a life of lies. Why?"

"It's what your mother wanted," Anna admitted.

"My mother...?" she retorted. "It'll appease you to know I remember nothing of her, so what's happened to me?"

Anna hesitated.

"Katherine shielded your memories with ethereality, but you know in your heart that everything I've said is true."

"Do I...?" Sam questioned. "I don't know what the truth is anymore. You've both deceived me and now expect me to believe you?"

Anna paused.

"Here is the truth--Saint Anthony's stands on an ancient burial ground, haunted by spirits of evil that survived the ages of purification and unearthed the demonic spirits that enveloped the church and its congregation..."

"Sadly, your father, a virtuous apologist, succumbed to these influences and through no control of his own vowed to convert your mother. But since he failed, I'm afraid that you and your sister are next."

Sam stepped closer.

"Are you saying my father tried to enslave my mother?"

"Yes..." she continued. "Yet Katherine resisted and sheltered you and your sister before leaving Strong City. That's how you came to Saint Ann's while Sabrina stayed with Julia."

Sam slumped against the counter.

"Then Julia is Katherine's sister and an elder of Saint Anthony's..." she announced. "But if we're family, why separate us?"

Anna smiled sadly.

"Because you and Sabrina are destined to one day govern the church, liberate the bloodline, and take your rightful places as elders of the coven."

Samantha slowly recoiled as she strived to compose herself. However, in light of such revelations, she wasn't able to.

"There's more..." Anna revealed. "Saint Ann's is gone, and so are its students."

Sam was furious.

"Because of him?"

"Yes."

The reality was inconceivable considering everything, and though Anna was forthcoming, Sam felt consumed by loss. Thus, she gathered her personal items and prepared to leave.

"Sam, don't go," Jennifer pleaded.

She turned and glared.

"I need time."