The Dark Society

110

Samantha beheld the evil that had corrupted her family for years. On the surface, Saint Anthony's appeared desolate, shadowed by ominous darkness. Though, the 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 the consequences. Even still, she entered the cathedral feeling unnerved but hopeful.

Large candle stands flickered randomly, but Saint Anthony's retained its sinister aura, and in her absence, Katherine's spirit seemed to permeate everything. Next, Sam approached the altar where the sanctum darkened and a lone cauldron began to smolder.

Many details remained hidden, but Harold's ledgers were clearly visible. Thus, the truth was revealed, and generations of deception were exposed. Suddenly, a profound stillness fell, and as Sam clenched her fists, she recognized the inherited curse.

Harold was undoubtedly her father, but he was 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 had learned the truth and convicted Luen and Steele for their crimes against the sect. As a result, they had fled, hoping to avoid his rage. Samantha hadn't witnessed this, but the scars of Harold's fury were evident.

Meanwhile, additional revelations loomed as she neared the podium where her father's accounts sat, and the reasons for his penance were unveiled. Weakened and struggling to breathe, she fought to cope.

But, if her instincts were correct, Harold would arrive soon. Until then, Sam began reading, hoping to understand everything.

Uncertainty and resentment had fueled her apathy from an early age. Yet as she read each passage, the stories about Harold's supposed possession were discredited, and his actual motives became clear.

The coven wars foretold for centuries 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 globally, even though a twenty-year upheaval had ended and a new regime was established.

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

Stone doors opened gradually, revealing an extensive ancestry of dates, eras, and locations. But once again, the family portrait on the back wall drew her attention. However, this time, she 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 there.

This would be the reunion of father and daughter after decades apart though Anna's advice resonated once more. Even so, Sam approached the throne and placed her father's ledger on its velvet cushion.

Suddenly, passageways sealed, imprisoning her within her father's creation. But, as the torches dimmed, Sam smiled. Like Harold before her, 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 had described, he had yet to appear. In the interim, Sam caressed the throne and embraced a life-changing choice. She felt relieved because no matter her decision, it would be the right one.

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