The Dark Society

110

 Samantha beheld the evil that'd corrupted her family. On the surface, Saint Anthony's appeared desolate, shadowed by ominous darkness. Though, cultivated landscapes helped mask the shrine's unholy atmosphere. Still, Sam felt her father's presence and resolved to find him. An impulsive decision considering consequences. Even still, she entered the cathedral feeling unnerved but hopeful.

A large candle stand flickered, but Saint Anthony's retained its sinister aura. Plus, even in her absence, Katherine's spirit permeated everything. Sam approached the altar, where the sanctum darkened and a lone cauldron smoldered.

Details remained hidden, but Harold's ledgers were visible. Thus, the truth stood spoken and generations of deception appeared exposed. A profound stillness fell, and as fists clenched, Sam recognized the inherited curse.

Harold was her father. But, also responsible for destroying Saint Ann's and abolishing the coven. Barring this in mind, Sam clutched the medallion, hoping to invoke her mother's wisdom.

Since returning, Harold knew the truth. Thus, Luen and Steele stood condemned for their crimes against the sect. As a result, they fled, hoping to avoid his rage. Samantha hadn't seen this, but the scars of Harold's fury were evident.

Meanwhile, revelations loomed while nearing the podium. This was where her father's accounts sat and the reasons for his penance. Weakened and struggling to breathe, Sam fought to cope. But, if instincts were correct, Harold would arrive soon.

Until then, Sam began reading, hoping to understand everything. Uncertainty and resentment fueled her apathy. Yet, reading each passage, stories about Harold's possession stood discredited. And with that, his actual motives became clear.

The coven wars were at hand, and despite her father's desire for unity, the sect remained divided. Ergo, the power within the emerald emerged, invigorating Samantha's growing mastery. Now, covens were rising, even though a twenty-year upheaval ended and a new regime began.

Sam was the first heir destined to succeed her mother. Though, Katherine and Harold held opposing views. Thus, lingering hostility kept Saint Anthony's elders divided. Sam touched the cordage again, thinking of her mother. Taking dark pleasure in what she embodied. Her parents meant more than anyone realized. So, Sam retreated to a place her father knew well: the museum.

Stone doors opened to an extensive ancestry of dates, eras and locations. But again, the family portrait on the back wall drew attention. However, this time, Sam studied Harold's harsh, but commanding appearance. He was Saint Anthony's true sovereign, even despite Paul's unforeseen intervention. Next, Sam moved to the throne room, sensing Harold was waiting.

This was a reunion of father and daughter after decades apart. Even still, Anna's advice often resonated. All that aside, Sam approached the throne and placed her father's ledger on its velvet cushion. Passageways sealed, imprisoning her within her father's creation. But, as torches dimmed, Sam smiled. Like Harold before, she was being seduced and becoming less likely to resist.

The air grew colder, and like Katherine, Harold's essence filled the space. But, like the ghosts Sabrina described, he was yet to appear. In the interim, Sam caressed the throne, embracing a life-changing choice. She felt relieved, because no matter the decision, it'd be the right one.

She also thought of Jennifer, unable to forget the past despite efforts. She'd protected her for years, but now Samantha stood on the precipice of darkness alone. Tears streamed and limbs trembled. Because, with the sound of approaching footsteps and after years of hiding, he'd found her.