Page 28 of The 13th Daughter

the south, and the west to aide us this night.

Earth, Fire, Air, and Water I summon thee to do my bidding.

Spirit I call upon thee to bind them together and close this circle."

A snap reverberated and a tingle went through me. I felt the circle close. Not good.

Kay turned to Megan, her expression becoming hard and unyielding. It was a look I'd only ever seen on her father's face. I frowned, unable to shake a sudden queasy feeling in my stomach. Why would that expression set off alarm bells?

"Do you enter this circle with an open mind, an open heart and a purity of purpose?"

"I do," Megan nodded, her face alight with joy.

"Do you agree to pledge yourself to learning the craft of your people?"

"I do." Megan's answer came out strong and proud.

"Do you agree to respect and abide by the laws of this Coven?"

"I do."

Kay's face turned harsher, more demanding.

"Do you agree to protect the secrets of our Coven from all others, even if that means forfeiting your own life?"

Oh, what was this juicy little tidbit? I leaned forward.

Megan's eyes widened and she swallowed. "I do."

By the nervous look on her face, I'd guarantee Megan hadn't expected that question either.

"Then come forward, Megan Allison Parker, and follow me into my circle. If you have answered truthfully, you have nothing to fear."

Kay stepped into the circle of candles. Megan took a deep and steadying breath and followed her in. Kay nodded in approval. "Now we will set our circle and let the Elements decree your worthiness, Megan Allison Parker."

Megan looked nervous, but she walked to stand directly in the center of the small circle outlined by candles. She squared her shoulders, held her head up, and nodded for Kay to begin.

"Earth, enter our circle and judge this novice for stability of purpose."

The green candle flared to life.

"Air, enter this circle and judge this novice for the intelligence needed to learn our craft."

The blue candle flared to life.

"Fire, enter our circle and judge this novice for the strength needed to protect us."

The red candle flickered.

Megan took a shaky breath and closed her eyes, concentrating hard.

The red candle flared to life.

"Water, enter our circle and judge this novice for the wisdom needed to guide us."

The yellow candle flared to life.

"Spirit, enter this circle and judge this novice for the purity of all and nothing."