The elders 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 suggested a retreat. However, such caution provoked a reaction.
"What's happening?" Denise whispered.
"I'm still not sure. Stay together."
The chapel thundered with 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. Yet, the bond with Michelle strengthened, though she was yet to stand at his side. Regardless, Paul observed each interaction before he and Marc entered 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 Sabrina, she's difficult to read."
"So what happened?"
"Sam's converting," he explained. "But I'm surprised she didn't recognize the portrait."
Marc drew closer.
"Are you certain she didn't?"
Paul stared ahead.
"Nothing's conclusive. However, the lack of acknowledgment is disturbing."
The likelihood of remembrance seemed implausible. Yet, it's clear Samantha and Sabrina obeyed the summons.
"What about Katherine and Julia?" Marc asked.
Paul considered this.
"They'll heed the calling. Though, 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's identified Karen Solomon's rise within the London orthodoxy. Plus, 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 get the medallions, their ascension 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 possessing Samantha's gemstone."
"And then?"
The sovereign's glare was fierce.
"Do whatever's necessary to retrieve the stone."
YOU ARE READING
The Dark Society
Misteri / ThrillerA powerful family of occultists unexpectedly disappear and for the next twenty years they live within society like normal people. However, as the eldest daughter reaches her 18th birthday the curse of a forgotten bloodline returns, along with the me...
