The Dark Society

104

The sisterhood gathered due to Paul's outlandish inquiries about the elders' lineage. Because of that, the sovereign felt unnerved, knowing Harold might have survived--but Paul was eager to see Sabrina regardless.

"What's wrong?" Rachelle whispered.

"I don't know," Raina replied. "Something's different."

"Should we question it?" Denise asked.

"No," she said. "But whatever it is, it's serious."

Paul appeared displeased from the start, so Raina discreetly suggested they retreat. However, her caution provoked a reaction.

"What's happening?" Denise whispered.

"I'm still not sure. Stay together."

The chapel suddenly thundered with the echoes of revolving lock cylinders. Then, as a lone figure entered, Michelle stood transfixed.

"Marc!" she exclaimed, embracing her brother.

Everyone felt unified despite Marc's frequent absences from the coven. Yet, his bond with Michelle had strengthened, though she had yet to stand at his side. As this happened, Paul observed each interaction carefully as he and Marc walked to the holy gardens.

"Raina didn't look pleased," Marc stated.

"Of course not," Paul answered. "Her control over Michelle and the others is weakening."

"Do you still suspect treachery?"

"I do," the sovereign confessed. "Sabrina and Samantha will act against us."

Marc's face fell. "How do you know?"

Paul paced, recalling Samantha's displaced anger. "I felt the enmity and lack of recognition."

"An illusion?"

"I'm not sure. Like her sister, she's difficult to read."

"So what happened?"

"Sam's converting," he explained. "But I was surprised she didn't recognize the portrait."

Marc drew closer. "Are you certain she didn't?"

Paul stared ahead. "Nothing's conclusive. However, her lack of acknowledgment is especially disturbing."

The likelihood of remembrance seemed implausible, but it was clear that Samantha and Sabrina had obeyed the summons.

"What about Katherine and Julia?" Marc asked.

Paul considered this. "They'll heed the calling in time. But if they reunite, everything changes."

"So what do we do?"

"Find the day witches and sever the connections," he ordered. "I'll deal with Raina and the others."

"There's something else," Marc recalled. "Sabrina has identified Karen Solomon's rise within the London orthodoxy. Plus, the authorities are paying attention."

Paul sighed. "Because of the missing girls?"

"Yes."

The sovereign settled on a nearby bench and groaned. "It doesn't matter. I can no longer influence Sabrina. She's completed the bonding ritual and now embodies the coven's strengths."

"What about the emeralds?"

Paul stood, his expression hardening. "If Sam and Sabrina obtain the medallions, their ascensions will be complete. We can't allow that."

Marc stepped closer. "What do you need me to do?"

Paul's voice grew cold. "First, find Jennifer--the day witch who possesses Samantha's gemstone."

"And then?"

The sovereign's glare was fierce. "Do whatever's necessary to retrieve the stone."