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"I sing the while--Sweet joy befall thee."
Somehow Loren timed it perfectly, and his poem concluded as I reached Lermer's table at the middle of the circle. I was only a little breathless as I smiled around the circle and said, "Welcome to the first Full Moon Ritual for the new Dark Daughters and Sons!"
"Merry meet!" everyone responded automatically. Without giving myself an opportunity to hesitate, I picked up the ornate ritualistic lighter and moved purposefully to stand be fore Damien. Air was the first element called when casting a circle, as well as the last to leave it when the circle was closed. I could feel Damien's excitement and expectation as if they were a physi cal force. I smiled at him, swallowed hard to clear the dryness in my throat. When I spoke I tried to project m
