Page 65 of Hex You

“Khenti won’t let it,” said Mercy. “Plus, Hunter and I have magic. Do any of you?”

Jax, Kylie, and Emily exchanged nervous glances as they shook their heads.

Hunter stepped forward. “Then you need to listen to Mag. If this goes wrong—you get out. We’ll handle the Nure-Onna.”

From the tree there came a soft, mewing sound.

Mercy looked over her shoulder. “Hang on, Xena. Wait until we’re hidden and then start.” She turned back to the group. “Em, you, Jax, and Kylie see that clump of willows over there between the creek and the cornfield?” They looked and nodded. “You three hide under the willow branches.”

“It’ll be hard to see what’s going on from there,” said Jax.

“Yeah, that’s the point,” said Hunter. “If it’s hard for you to see—then it’ll be hard for you tobe seen. Plus, you have an easy escape back to where we left the car from there.”

“Where are you going to be?” Jax asked Hunter.

“With Khenti and me over there.” Mercy pointed. “Where the creek comes closest to the cherry tree. The Nure-Onna is most dangerous in or around water, so if she’s already out here somewhere and Xena’s calls draw her to the tree, logically she’ll leave the water there.”

Khenti nodded. “And if she’s in the Underworld she will come out of the hole at the base of the tree. When I attack her she will head for the water.”

“And we’ll be there to stop her,” said Hunter.

“Though I plan on cutting off her head before it comes to that,” Khenti said grimly. He lifted his hand and called, “Khopesh!” Instantly the long, curved sword appeared in his hand, glittering dangerously.

“Shit. I may puke,” said Kylie.

“Kylie, I like you and all,” said Mercy. “But you should leave.”

“No! We already settled that!” Kylie insisted. “I just need to breathe and process all of this.” She made a sweeping motion, which included Khenti, the tree, and Xena. “I need a minute. But I’ll be safe. In the cornfield near the clump of willows where you want us to hide.”

Jax nodded. “That’s understandable. I’ll come with you.”

Kylie held up her hand like a stop sign. “I can’t breathe and process with company—that’s why I’m going back there”—she jerked her chin at the cornfield—“alone.”

Before anyone could say anything else, Kylie marched away from them, disappearing into the tall, green stalks.

“Jax, you’re responsible for her,” said Mercy. “But she shouldnotbe here.”

“I know! I know! I just thought…” Jax’s words trailed off and he ran his hand through his dark curls.

“It’s my fault,” said Hunter quietly. “I messed up.”

Mercy looked at her sister. H definitely was stressed—and she wassad. Whatever spell her sister had cast on Kylie and Jax… “Oh, bugger! No… Tell me it wasn’t a love spell!”

Hunter sighed and stared at her feet. “I can’t tell you that. But the spell absolutely has been broken.” She met her sister’s gaze. “I told you I messed up.”

Mercy’s sigh mirrored her twin’s. “Well, I can’t judge you. I’ve done my share of messing up lately, too.” She thought about how she’d hexed Khenti’s dad—but this definitely wasn’t the time to mention it to H. Instead she said, “I wish Abigail was here.”

“Me, too, Mag,” said Hunter.

“Meow?” came from the tree.

“Okay, Xena! We’re hiding now! As soon as you can’t see us you can start,” Mercy called to her familiar who was perched high in the sick tree. “Em, Jax, be careful.”

Emily nodded. “We will, and I’ll help Jax keep an eye on Kylie—as soon as she breathes and takes her moment.”

As Mercy, Khenti, and Hunter went toward the sound of water, Jax reached out and snagged Hunter’s arm. He pulled her into a hug. “Don’t let that thing bite you.”

Hunter briefly clung to him and then she stepped out of his arms. “I’m not planning on it.”