The Dark Society

98

Raina felt enraged knowing that Paul was reveling in the coven's setbacks. Equally, Marc had an agenda and wanted Michelle at his side even more, so Raina gathered the sisters together hoping for a resolution.

"How do we go about this?" Michelle inquired.

"As we planned." Raina retorted while placing relics in the heart of a colossal stump.

It's well known that she's a master weaver, but Raina's ruses were often intricate and obscure. For it, Paul had hindered the sect's efforts to depart the cult, so everyone stayed segregated as the preparations progressed.

"What about Sabrina...?" Kim questioned. "Why isn't she here supporting us?"

Raina twisted and simpered.

"In a way she is."

Raina had abandoned theology and adopted Harold's teachings earlier than originally planned. And though an adept spell-caster she was naive about the methods of rituals. Whatever the case, she was determined to prevail regardless of Paul's interference.

"Has Samantha visited Strong City?" Denise challenged.

"Yes..." Raina whispered while retrieving a petite goatskin satchel. "For, there's truth in the caretaker's confessions."

Albert was adamant about meeting Samantha since the start and frequently recalled the uncanny similarities between her and Sabrina.

"Raina..." Rachelle questioned. "What about the other covens?"

She turned.

"They'll arrive soon..." she confessed. "So, in light of the prophecy we must prepare."

Michelle had questioned Marc's devotion to Saint Anthony's from day one because a coup seemed inevitable. Given that, their kinship remained shrouded in mystery. Nevertheless, the sisters had also avowed Sabrina's affiliation, but if Albert's declarations were true she and Samantha were Saint Anthony's elders.

In light of this, Raina fixed several libation candles absent of marking or display: shaded in an impenetrable black with five-inch tapers radiating from the centers.

Directing Samantha's psyche would be challenging at the least, so this ritual aimed to incite another: her mother, Katherine. Even then, the rules regarding a summons were specific and the consequences clear, so she had to be certain.

Later that evening, Raina sat alone as negative energies occupied the environment. Due to that, she'd positioned a lone mixing cauldron and emblazoned a purposeful incense hoping to purify the unclean spirits. But through misfortune, something had disrupted the previous day's ritual -- something unholy.

Even still, she didn't heed the interruption believing that Paul was somehow involved. Additionally, Marc's newfound ubiquity had added another reason for concern, so after arranging tarot's Raina consulted the goddess.

Each card depicted a change of seasons; one of the many unique metaphors that illustrated a witch's transition. Just the same, Katherine's existence was a mystery that Paul had rediscovered by some chance. In like manner, he observed the rise of the modern breed and sought to obtain their strengths.

However, his attempts to do so had failed and he'd lost his adherents and the ability to direct the practice. For that reason, Raina felt confident as an unexpected knock would break the silence.

"I hope this isn't a bad time." Marc stated after passing through.

She grinned and followed.

"Not at all, what brings you by?"

Taking a seat he noticed the strong scent permeating the air.

"I always enjoyed that smell."

"It's a new blend..." she professed, gesturing to a nearby container. "However, you're not here to discuss fragrances."

Marc gazed with a penetrating stare.

"Not exactly..." he admitted. "Though based on recent events I assume you have questions."

Raina immediately thought of Sabrina and though Marc considered her a friend their bond wasn't as strong. In light of this, she withdrew convinced that Paul had sent Marc to find answers.

"Nothing important..." she declared. "Although, I was curious if you're bonding."

Marc adjusted.

"Of course..." he acknowledged. "Besides, it's well overdue."

Raina sat puzzled of course because Marc's tones were somewhat unnerving, but she didn't entice suspicion and kept appearances.

"I'm glad..." she claimed. "After all, it's important that we have a show of solidarity among us."

He glared.

"I agree, but I know you're skeptical of my intentions."

Raina shook her head.

"Not as much as you might think..." she alleged. "But, I'd be more concerned for Michelle."

"Believe it or not I'm watching over her."

She pitched forth.

"There's more to it than that..." she implied. "You're probing for answers, so what's the motive?"

Marc turned.

"We needn't be adversaries since we both want the same thing."

She arose, seemingly angered.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

Moving to the door Marc stared.

"Michelle will return to Saint Anthony's and halt this rebellion..." he avowed. "So, save yourself and the coven the embarrassment and abide by your oath."

Raina groaned.

"Michelle will act of her own free will..." she stated. "But like before your logic is misplaced."

He snickered.

"You've always been defiant and it'll be your downfall."

"Meaning?"

Marc inched forth.

"Samantha and Sabrina will ascend and reunite..." he explained. "Then it's only a matter of time before Katherine returns."

She gazed.

"If that's true they'll fortify the coven in anticipation of the war."

Marc retreated.

"So, that's the reason for the bonding ritual..." he professed. "You wanted the covens blood in your veins for protection."

Raina moved closer.

"Even with his ambition Paul will fail..." she clarified. "Secondly, with his treachery he'll suffer at Harold's hand."

"How do you know about the legacy...?" he interrogated. "No matter, but before you concede be sure since there might be more to discover."

"Of that, I'm certain..." she insisted. "But, we all have a destiny and I accepted mine long ago."

Marc smiled while exiting.

"Regardless, we both know how protective of Sabrina you are..." He turned and stared. "So, it didn't surprise me to discover what happened to Trina and Jasmine."

Raina retreated to the balcony afterward knowing she couldn't conceal the truth forever.