The Dark Society

111

 Luis spent the day with Sabrina's family as darkness settled over Cottonwood Falls. Symbolic of troubled times, everyone thought was of Samantha. She'd left for Saint Anthony's determined to find her father. Another impulsive decision with dire consequences. Meanwhile, everyone watched Sabrina move toward the famed oak tree.

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

"She's ascending."

Sabrina doubted her abilities from the beginning, but now realized their importance. On a similar note, the reality of what she and Samantha would become was inescapable. Forever cursed to exist under an undeniable shroud of evil.

Yet, there remained a human element and possibilities of eternal peace. A concept that eluded her father and left her sister uncertain. Either way, the future she'd imagined was no longer viable. And despite mutual empathy, this was 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. Sabrina knelt, touched blades of grass and accepted fate. But, the looming abyss held surprises.

Sabrina stared into the adjacent forest, knowing who was hiding within its shadows. Detective Stern was relentless in his pursuit of the truth. So much so, he traveled halfway around the world to find it.

"They're here," Luis announced, noting subtle movements in the trees.

Tim seized his arm and glared.

"Don't interfere."

Sabrina emerged from the shed with a rustic shovel and began excavating the canister. Watching her, Daniel recalled Marc's analogy about her potential. So, as a precaution, he restrained his men.

No evidence linked Sabrina to Trina and Jasmine's murders or Saint Anthony's cult. Though, Daniel couldn't walk away without knowing for sure. Then again, Sabrina was a minor with rights under the law. Thus, no matter how much Shultz and Landry pushed, Daniel resisted.

Sabrina unfastened the lid, and a rush of dry air enveloped her face. The gemstone's radiance was everything she remembered. Though, the consequences of invoking its power far exceeded reality. All the same, it's Katherine's inherited gift, and like Samantha before her, it was time.

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

Sabrina clasped the gemstone around her neck and collapsed. In a panic, everyone rushed from the house, and Luis took Sabrina into his arms.

"What do we do?" he pleaded, brushing hair from her eyes.

Julia's expression hardened.

"Take her inside!"

Luis carried Sabrina into the house as agents surrounded the perimeter. Even then, Daniel and Sean were reluctant to proceed.

"What are you doing?" Sergeant Schultz exclaimed. "She's right there--why are you waiting?"

Detective Landry scowled as Daniel's forces allowed Sabrina to escape. All that aside, Sergeant Schultz remained determined to apprehend her.

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

A lifetime of memories existed in various places. So, Luis gathered several relics, intent on preserving the clan's heritage. Meanwhile, the commotion outside intensified as Schultz's squad advanced.

Witnessing this, Luis panicked as Sabrina rose and approached the window, unafraid. Forgetting the past would be difficult. But, the family's survival was all that mattered.

Time and again, Julia chronicled the horrors of Harold's affliction. Plus, the drastic measures Katherine took to end his rampage. Defensible examples of what she did to protect her children. This was why Sabrina recognized Samantha's rage and resolved to stand with her. Besides, she appreciated family and craved Samantha's presence in her life.

But, she also recognized Luis's feelings seemed provoked by Aphrodite. A part of life she couldn't disregard. Thus, any involvement ended. And though it broke Sabrina's heart, there were others to consider.

Finally, they moved into the altar room. Luis dreaded the worst, knowing Sabrina embodied her family's curse. Even so, he supported the cause regardless of potential consequences. After, she drew close, conflicted, but determined.

"Do you remember what I've always told you?" she asked.