Chapter 1Dellview, CO
Early fall
“I’d rather you just sit this one out, Robbie,” Daniel said. “It’s only a routine sabbat. I can conduct it without an assistant. Besides, you’ve fallen behind on your chores. Our altar is dusty, and look at the tarnish on the athame. You ought to be ashamed!”
Dropping to his knees, Rob cringed. For a few seconds he was back in that dark, dismal place, the one where he could do no right, where he knew he was unloved, worthless and would never be anything more. Almost reflexively, he shrank before he remembered. No, a blow would not follow. Daniel loves me and would never abuse me the way Aaron Cantwell did. Cruelty and brutality should have been his stepfather’s middle names. No, it was all right now. He just had to shape up and do better.
“I’m sorry,” h
