Her heart sank, her stomach sank, and Blythe wished the floor would open up and swallow her so that she might sink. She had known it was not a sure thing—known it was essentially a long-shot, but still, her aunt’s definitive tone and…less than desirable decision hit her like a hard blow.

“Yes, Aunt Temperance,” the witch replied obediently, looking down so that the older woman mightn’t see the tears beginning to well in her eyes.

Perhaps, if she had been more devout, the Lord might have answered her prayers.