The Dark Society

110

 For a time, Samantha beheld the evil that'd corrupted her family. And despite resisting herself, the deities' beckoning continued. On the surface, Saint Anthony's appeared desolate, shadowed by an ominous darkness.

In contrast, cultivated landscapes dispelled the shrine's unholy ambiance. This notwithstanding, Sam felt her father's presence and resolved to find him. (An impulsive decision considering the consequences). Thus, she accessed the cathedral, unnerved but hopeful.

At random, large candle stands ignited, enhancing the decorum. Certainly, Saint Anthony's retained a sinister aura, and due to her absence, Katherine's spirit was everywhere. At intervals, Sam moved towards the altar, where sanctums darkened still, and a lone cauldron began smoldering.

As intended, innumerable details remained veiled, but Harold's ledgers were distinct. It was then truths were revealed, and generations of deceptions were thwarted. Concurrently, a profound stillness fell, and as fists clenched, Sam recognized the inherited curse.

Undoubtedly, he was her father, but liable for destroying Saint Ann's. More importantly, Harold aimed to enslave the family, so Sam clutched the medallion, intent on evoking Katherine's insight.

Since returning, Harold discovered the truth of everything, thus convicted Luen and Steele for crimes against the sect. As a result, they fled, hoping to avoid the sovereign's rage.

Thus far, Samantha hadn't bared witness, but the reality of Harold's deeds was clear. So much so, onslaughts of literature loomed imminent while nearing the podium. It was here, accounts sat revered, and reasons for penance were unveiled.

Weakened and laboring for breath, she struggled to cope, but if instincts served, Harold would surely approve. Until then, Sam began reading, hoping to make sense of everything.

From an early age, uncertainty, and resentment were conflicts fueling the rise of apathy. And yet, turning pages, stories about Harold's possession became discredited, and actual motives were evident.

No matter what, the coven wars, foretold for centuries, were at hand, and for as much as her father desired unity, the sect was divided. On that ground, virtues within the emerald emerged, invigorating Samantha's semblance of mastery.

On a global scale, covens were ascending, and Harold and Saint Anthony's were vulnerable. Even though, a twenty-year upheaval was eradicated, and a renewed regime was established. By all accounts, Sam was the first heir destined to succeed her mother.

But as it stands, Katherine and Harold held divergent views, and due to lingering hostility, Saint Anthony's elders remain divided. On that premise, Sam brushed the cordage, again thinking of her mother, while taking a sadistic pleasure in what she embodied.

In the end, her parents meant more to each other than anyone realized. In which case, Sam retreated into a place her father knew well: the museum.

Incrementally, stone doors opened, unveiling an extensive ancestry of dates, eras, and locations. But once more, it'd be the family portrait resting on the back wall that again drew attention.

Except, unlike before, she fixed on Harold's harsh but dominating appearance. All told, he was Saint Anthony's genuine sovereign, despite the presence of an unforeseen darkness.

For that cause, Sam retreated to the throne room, because if instincts proved true: Harold was there, waiting. Above all, this was to be the grand reunion of a father and daughter after decades apart.

Yet without regard to anticipation, Anna's advice again resonated. It was therefore, Sam gravitated to the throne, placing the ledger upon its velvety cushion.

In doing so, passageways sealed, imprisoning her within the confines of her father's diabolical creation. Although, as torches dimmed, Sam smiled, because she, like Harold, was being seduced, and becoming less likely to resist.

By this time, the air became colder, and like Katherine, Harold's essence was everywhere. But, resembling ghosts Sabrina described, he was yet to appear. With that, Sam caressed the throne, embracing a life-changing choice. On another note, she felt relieved, because no matter the decision, it'd be the right one.

At some point, she considered Jennifer, and though she tried to forget, she couldn't. For years, she shielded her, but Samantha now rested on the precipice of darkness, alone. Given that, tears streamed and limbs trembled, because with sounds of imminent steps, and after years of feigning, he'd found her.