The Dark Society

99

Marc and Michelle traveled home together, an evident uneasiness hanging between them--a tension he was determined to address.

"I can sense your struggle," he said.

"Am I that obvious?"

Michelle had always been reserved around others, while Marc was more outgoing. Though, despite their differences, they remained united in their bond as siblings.

"I'm sorry things are so difficult," he said, taking her hand.

She gave him a predictably sarcastic look.

"It's not your fault. Everything will work out eventually."

He nodded in agreement.

"So you know about Harold?"

"And Samantha."

"I see." Her brother paused. "She visited the church but has since disappeared, so Paul is determined to find her."

"What does he want from her?"

Marc met her gaze steadily.

"The secrets of the elders' power."

Michelle looked shocked.

"That explains his hostility after we bonded with Sabrina," she said. "But because of that ritual, the coven is growing stronger."

Marc nodded.

"Which is exactly why Raina's plan won't work. She's blood-bonded now, sworn to serve."

"You want the same gift."

"Yes," he admitted. "If not from the elders, then from someone else."

Fear crept into Michelle's expression.

"That's impossible!" she exclaimed. "Katherine has been gone for almost twenty years, and even if she returned, she would never agree to it."

Marc smiled grimly.

"Perhaps not, but she's not the only elder."

Michelle sat up straighter, curiosity overriding her alarm. Even so, she had taken a vow of loyalty and would never betray the coven, but she found herself listening to Marc's confessions despite her reluctance to support his ambitions. Additionally, the weight of their membership in Saint Anthony's--an extensive order sworn to absolute fidelity--hung heavy between them.

This ongoing tension threatened the foundation of Marc and Michelle's relationship. More importantly, as members of the same chapter, his dangerous ambitions made Michelle question her brother's sanity.

Yet all of this paled in comparison to a darker revelation. The discovery of Sabrina and Samantha's true connection was troubling enough, but if Harold Morgan was truly alive, then Michelle and the sisters had become the living embodiment of an ancient and unforgiving curse.