The Dark Society

107

 Marc carried out Paul's directives. Upon returning to America, he followed Jennifer to Shawnee. Though, unable to grasp the depths of her perception, he kept a distance. Meanwhile, Michelle's doubts flourished because he'd hid Paul's intentions. Even so, the coven war was the final obstacle between him and absolute authority.

Across the city, Jennifer sought to confirm Sam's diagnosis. And after consulting various specialists, findings were conclusive, she was dying. The news plunged Samantha into a psychological abyss. Making a return to Saint Anthony's inevitable. Together with an overwhelming urge to impose her will.

Jennifer emerged from the infirmary with cunning and ominous intent. Witnessing this, Marc proceeded with caution, hoping to secure custody of Samantha's medallion. Michelle felt withdrawn and alienated. But, with her brother's return a sense of unity appeared restored. For that bond, he wouldn't abandon his sibling to the naivety of a false apostle.

Later, Jennifer entered Webb Place as Marc finalized his strategy. He intended to distract Jennifer and seize the medallion without incident. However, Marc soon lay silent as Samantha stood with an unflinching gaze. In the end, Paul's influence was evident and she'd become wise to his plans. However, with this single act, Sam betrayed humanity and chosen inevitability.

From that moment, each methodical step held meaning. Thus, as Samantha entered the house, Jennifer cringed, knowing she'd succumbed. For this reason, Jennifer opened a spruce lockbox, placed it on an adjacent table and stepped away.

The stone's power was immediate and its luster flawless. All the same, Jennifer hadn't honored commitments. And through recent actions, misled the coven. Whatever the reasons, she stayed at Sam's side regardless of consequences.

Jennifer retrieved the strand and unfastened the clasp. Moving Sam's dark hair aside, she fastened the medallion around her neck. Extremities shook and senses dimmed as the transition began.

Katherine veiled memories, but Sam now recalled everything. Particularly, displays of animosity her father exhibited that night years before. These memories justified Katherine's decisions, but heightened Sam's anger. There were three perspectives of the story: her mother's, father's and finally the truth. But even now, as Jennifer watched, Sam's goal was clear: finding Harold.

If that happened, it'd only be a matter of time before Katherine learned of her husband's return. An unforeseen calamity neither expected. Considering this, Sam wanted to protect Jennifer since Harold would exploit their alliance. If so, Jennifer and Anna would stand obligated to retaliate in their coven's defense. Thus, she retreated to the table and readied her inherited emerald.

"Is he dead?" she asked after securing the rhodium pendant.

"Of course not," Sam replied. "I didn't intend to harm him, though I'm certain he's acting on Paul's instructions."

Jennifer agreed.

"With the war pending, he's severing every outside connection. That's why he sent Marc to retrieve the emerald and prevent me from interfering."

Sam's expression hardened.

"So, he has betrayed Saint Anthony's and my family to help fortify the Lady of Victories."

"Everything isn't as it seems," Jennifer confessed. "So, don't be so eager to make assumptions."

"Meaning?"

She stepped closer.

"No one is acting rationally, so don't react based on emotion."

"You know what happened. Why shouldn't I take revenge?"

"Because everything that's happened is due to the prophecy."

Sam brooded.

"A prophecy the day witches swore to protect."

"Yes."

Sam noticed the sadness in Jennifer's eyes.

"You know the truth, don't you?"

"After twenty years together, you didn't expect me to look into it?"

"Then, you also understand that now that I have this, everything changes." Sam grasped the shard.

"What about your family?"

"Julia and Tim will learn what's happened--Sabrina will see to that. Now, it's time to return to your coven."

"I won't abandon you. No matter what happens, I'm sorry."

Samantha's ascension was complete, and she now identified with her lineage. But, in the end, Jennifer, like Anna, stood divided between attachment and obligation. At present, Saint Ann's spiritual emissary vanished. And not even Jennifer could sense her presence. Worse, Sam's conversion was progressing, and it's probable she'd stand with her father. Regardless of that, every decision begins with choice. And due to Marc's actions, Sam made hers.