The Dark Society

111

Luis had gathered with Sabrina's family for much of the day as a murky darkness settled upon Cottonwood Falls. Symbolic of the times, thoughts dwelt on Samantha since she left for Saint Anthony's intent on finding her father.

(Another impulsive decision with dire consequences). In the wake, everyone scrutinized as Sabrina gravitated towards the famed oak tree poised to unearth the canister.

"What's happening?" Luis wondered as Julia caressed his face.

"She's ascending."

Sabrina had doubted her abilities since the beginning, but she'd now realized their importance. Nevertheless, the reality of what she and Samantha would become inescapable to the detriment, forever cursed to exist under an undeniable shroud of evil.

In contrast, there's a human element and the possibility of eternal peace. (A concept that eluded her father and left her sister uncertain). Either way, the future she imagined was no longer viable because despite mutual empathy it's a world Luis didn't understand.

More than that, his love for Karen was something he'd never relinquish nor would she ask him to. Thus, Sabrina knelt, pawed the blades of grass and finally accepted fate. As this takes place, the looming abyss wasn't without surprises.

Sabrina arose and stared into the adjacent forests knowing who'd hidden within its shadows and why. Throughout, Detective Stern had been relentless in his pursuit of the truth. So much so that he'd traveled halfway around the world to find it.

"They're here." Luis proclaimed while noting the subtle movements.

Tim seized his arm and glared.

"Don't interfere."

Sabrina exited the shed a time later with a rustic shovel and proceeded to excavate the canister. Observing this, Daniel recalled Marc's analogy regarding her potential and as a precaution restrained his men.

There was no evidence linking Sabrina to Trina and Jasmine's murders or Saint Anthony's cult, but he couldn't step away without knowing for sure.

Then again, Sabrina was a minor with rights under the law and no matter how much Shultz and Landry pushed the issue, Daniel resisted. Meanwhile, Sabrina unfastened the lid and a swell of dry air enveloped her face.

The gemstone's radiance was everything she remembered forever after, though the outcomes of invoking its power far eclipsed reality. And yet, it was Katherine's inherited gift and like Samantha before her it was time.

"We need you..." she whispered while thinking of her mother. "Please, come home."

Sabrina clasped the gemstone around her neck and collapsed. At this point, everyone rushed from the house where Luis took her into his arms.

"What do we do!?" he implored after brushing the hair from her eyes.

Julia instantly closed.

"Take her inside!"

Luis hurried Sabrina into the house without a word as multiple agents enclosed the perimeter. Though surprisingly, Daniel and Sean were reluctant to proceed.

"What are you doing...!?" Sargent Schultz exclaimed. "She's right there; why are you waiting!?"

Detective Landry scowled then and there as Daniel's forces allowed Sabrina to escape. Whereas, Sargent Schultz was determined to apprehend her.

This was a moment Tim and Julia anticipated, so they retreated indoors to prepare. They'd never used their skills collectively in a public forum, but to save Sabrina no sacrifice was too great.

Lifetimes of memories existed in various places, so Luis gathered several relics intent on preserving the clan's heritage. In the interim, the commotion outdoors had increased as Schultz's squad advanced.

Witnessing this, Luis felt panicked as Sabrina arose and paralleled the window seemingly unafraid. At the close, forgetting the past would be arduous, but in the grand scheme of things the family's viability was all that mattered.

Julia had chronicled the horrors of Harold's affliction a time before and the drastic measures Katherine had used to end his rampage. (More defensible examples of what she'd done to protect her children).

This is why Sabrina had recognized Samantha's rage and resolved to stand with her sister. By the same token, she appreciated family even more and craved Samantha in her life.

Among other things, she recognized that most of Luis's feelings had been provoked by Aphrodite. (A part of life that she couldn't disregard). In that respect, any involvement had to end and though it broke Sabrina's heart there were others to consider.

They moved into the altar room before long where Luis dreaded the worst knowing that Sabrina embodied her family's curse. Even then, he supported her cause regardless of the potential consequences. Not long after, she drew close, conflicted but determined.

"Do you remember what I've always told you?"

Peering into her eyes Luis sighed.

"Don't do this."