She closed her eyes, hoping against hope. And then a gasp from Haley made her open them again. Father Justin had turned and was now looking at them. First her. Then Haley.
“I’ll do it,” he said.
Brittany’s heart leapt. “On one condition,” Justin added. His face might have been carved from rock. “Do you swear, all of you, by whatever god or goddess you worship tonight. Do you swear that all the girls who participate in this…in this ritual of yours are here willingly?”
Brittany’s mouth fell open in silent outrage. To think that her mother, or Haley’s mother, would try to force them to take part in a holy rite!
Somehow, Megan Murray stayed calm. “I swear.” She titled her head at the priest. “Do you need me to get a bible?”
Father Justin raised his chin. “If your word is good enough for t
