The Dark Society

95

 Paul couldn't fathom Harold Morgan's prophesied return. So, he hoped to merge his power during the family's prolonged absence. More, he and Leon also aimed to convert Jessica's daughter. Knowing Karen's disdain for Sabrina would prove beneficial. However, if the sovereign returned, he'd again govern Saint Anthony's.

Leaving Paul's practice and the congregation's future uncertain. Yet, with the coven war looming, they believed they'd found a workable solution. Paul disliked soliciting Leon's help. But, such a risky ritual made his help essential. Adding to that, Paul also misled the congregation and now sought to amend the covenant.

Meanwhile, Paul used his remaining authority to secure aid from several esteemed associates; confident he'd again regain control. With this in mind, candles blazed as Harold's ledgers lay open on the pulpit. In all probability, Paul could perform the basic spells. However, he hadn't yet mastered Harold's healing methods.

The strategies for preventing the coven's upheaval were progressing. And since the sisters were still adolescents, Paul retained an advantage. A certainty he counted on while devising his schemes.

Opening the first journal, Paul and Leon examined Harold's work. Learning the merger durations and other essential instructions were missing. This made enacting the magic challenging, leaving the probability of success uncertain. Despite this setback, they weren't concerned with failure.

Raina mocked Paul's authority, so he planned to end the coven's rebellion. This was another reason he studied Karen's abilities in preparation for the merger. Guidelines existed for such invocations, but Paul remained confident in their success. Whatever the cost, a darkness neither imagined surged from within this naive girl.

"She's more powerful than I imagined," Paul declared, looking at Karen's sedated form.

Karen's resilience grew over time, making the task of merging consciousness viable. Even so, Leon remained isolated while pondering the consequences.

"What about Alex?" Leon asked.

"He'll return to society with no memory of what happened," Paul answered.

Leon stepped into the light.

"Luis will try to intervene."

Paul scowled.

"Of that, I'm certain. However, when he does, she'll resist him."

Merging Karen's psyche with Nemesis was a gamble, because their individual experiences conflicted. Though, with their kinsmen's fates in peril and the Morgans' inevitable return, they had to act.