The Dark Society

107

From the inception, Marc aimed to carry out Paul's instruction, so upon returning to America, he followed Jennifer to Shawnee. Initially, he couldn't grasp the depth of her perception, thus kept a distance. Concurrently, Michelle's doubts thrived, but he remained reluctant to reveal Paul's directives. Irregardless, the coven wars would be the last barrier between themselves and absolute authority.

Across the city, Jennifer sought to confirm Sam's diagnosis, and after consulting various specialists, findings were conclusive; she was dying. As a result, she'd fallen into a psychological abyss, so a return to Saint Anthony's was inevitable. 

At which point, Jennifer again felt an invading urge to impose her will. In due course, she exited the infirmary with a cloaked sleight and ominous intent. Witnessing this, Marc utilized caution, expecting to secure custody of Samantha's medallion.

For a while now, Michelle felt withdrawn and alienated, but with her brother's resumption, a sense of unity returned. For that right, he wouldn't abandon his sibling to the naivety of a false apostle. Sometime later, Jennifer entered Webb Place as Marc finalized his strategy. First and foremost, he intended to distract Jennifer and seize the epoch without incident.

But, before he could act, he'd lay still as Samantha stood over him with an unflinching gaze. Certainly, Paul's influence was evident, and she'd become wise to his plans for the day-witch. However, with this one deed, she'd betrayed the coven and chosen a sinister path.

From there on, each methodical step held meaning, and upon entering the house, Jennifer cringed, knowing Sam's intentions. For that cause, she opened a spruce lock box, placed it on an adjacent table, and stepped away.

As one might expect, the stones strength was immediate, and its luster, flawless. As for everything else, Jennifer hadn't honored specific commitments, and with recent actions, also misled the coven.

Whatever the reasons, she'd remained at Sam's side despite the potential consequences. On that basis, Jennifer retrieved the strand and unfastened the clasp. Next, moving Sam's smoky tresses aside, she fastened the medallion around her neck. In doing this, extremities tingled, and senses waned as the assimilation began.

In effect, Katherine had veiled any memories, but Sam now recalled everything. In particular, the display of animosity her father exhibited that night. A new memory that justified Katherine's decisions, though heightened her anger. At the end, there'd be three perspectives of the story: her mother's, father's, and finally, the truth. Even now, as Jennifer stared, Sam's ultimate goal stood clear: facing Harold.

If that happens, it's only a matter of time before Katherine learned of her husband's return. An unforeseen calamity neither she nor him seemed prepared for. In which case, Sam wanted to protect Jennifer, since Harold would exploit their alliance. If so, Jennifer and Anna would be obligated to retaliate in their coven's defense. Questioning that, she retreated to the table and readied her inherited emerald.

"Is he dead?" she asked, securing the rhodium around her neck.

"Of course not..." Sam replied. "I don't intend to harm a coven brother, though I'm certain he's acting on Paul's instruction."

Instantly, Jennifer agreed.

"Pending the war, he's severing every outside connection..." she affirmed. "That's why he sent him to retrieve the emerald and prevent me from interfering."

Directly, Sam closed.

"You know I couldn't allow that."

"He's only following orders..." Jennifer confessed. "Secondly, everything isn't as it seems."

"Meaning?"

Slowly, she advanced.

"Your father isn't acting by his own accord either..." she professed. "For this reason, don't be so eager to judge him."

"You know what's happened..." she informed. "Therefore, why shouldn't I take revenge?"

"Because..." Jennifer urged. "Everything that's happened is due to the prophecy."

All at once, Sam brooded.

"A prophecy the day witches swore to protect."

"Yes."

Inevitably, she'd heed 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..." Sam insisted, grasping the shard. "You also understand, now that I have this, everything changes."

"What about your family?"

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

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

Almost entirely, Samantha's ascension was complete, and she now identified with her lineage. But in the end, Jennifer, like Anna, stands divided between attachment and obligation. Which suggests Saint Ann's spiritual emissary has vanished, and not even Jennifer could sense her presence. Not the worse, Sam's conversion was progressing, and it seemed probable she'd stand with her father. Albeit, every decision begins with choice, and due to Marc's deeds, Sam had made hers.