Page 69 of Hex You

Mercy could not speak. She could not even nod her head. She did manage to open her hand, which Xena immediately took. Even though Mercy could feel the paralysis spreading from her chest through her body, she squeezed Xena’s hand and in her mind shouted to her familiar,Yes! I trust you! Always!

“Excellent. Now, you must relax. Slow your heartbeat. Slow your breathing. I promise you that I will not let you die today, but you must do as I say. Breathe with me, my precious kitten.” Xena exaggerated slow, steady breaths—in and out to a count of four.

Mercy willed herself to match her breathing to her familiar, and as she relaxed she felt the terrible paralysis recede—if only slightly.

“Well done, kitten. Well done. I am going to do a little spellwork that will give you even more ease.”

Mercy’s eyes widened as she thought,I didn’t know you could do spellwork!

Xena smoothed back her savage mane. “Of course I can cast spells. I have been a witch’s familiar for generations. And I shall call upon those generations of powerful, compassionate Goode witches now. Kitten, all you need do is to remain calm and when I tell you, breathe in as deeply as possible.” She paused then before she added, “I understand you and the other human kittens do not like cat saliva, which is rather silly because it is quite wonderful and has many healing properties, but I bring it up because soon you will have to ignore your dislike for it.”

What?!

Xena sighed and patted her cheek. “Do not worry, kitten. It will not last long. And I will not lick you, though I am quite sure some of my saliva will get on you.”

Xena, I don’t understand!

Xena waved away Mercy’s frantic thoughts. “Trust me. Xena shall fix this.”

“How?!” The word exploded from Hunter, who was sobbing by Mercy’s feet. “She’s dying!”

“Exactly,” said Xena. “Which is why I must act quickly. Jax kitten, have my Abigail’s bathrobe ready. When I have finished here I believe I shall be rather cold.”

“O-okay.” Jax’s voice shook. He was standing near Hunter, still gripping the bathrobe he’d offered Xena earlier. Kylie stood beside him, sobbing silently. Emily moved to Kylie’s other side and took her hand.

“I—I did this!” Kylie spoke through her tears. “I’m so, so sorry!”

“No, Kylie, the Nure-Onna did this,” said Emily firmly. “You shouldn’t blame yourself.”

“Xena, may I help you?” Khenti asked.

“Yes, Khenti kitten. You and Hunter and the other kittens can aid me in this spell. Hunter, take her hand. Lend her your strength.”

Hunter wiped her nose with the back of her hand and knelt onthe other side of Mercy—across from Xena. She gripped her twin’s hand.

“Khenti kitten, be at her feet. Put your hands on her legs. Lend her your strength,” said Xena as she briefly met the gazes of the five of them, one at a time. “Everyone—each of you—set your intention, which is that Mercy will be healed. Think about sending her strength and, of course, love. Always love.”

Then Xena turned her focus back to Mercy. “Ready yourself, kitten.” Xena shook back her hair and raised her arms over her head as if she reached for the spring sun in the flawless azure sky above them. When she spoke, her voice wasn’t that of a gentle, loving familiar. It was the voice of a goddess, filled with power and righteous passion.

“Goode witches—long departed from this world, but never truly gone

Hear me now—hear me true—I invoke you, I invoke you, I invoke you!”

A circle of specters suddenly materialized around them, with Xena and Mercy at its centermost point. Mercy couldn’t speak or move her head, but she could see the spirits surrounding them. They were all women who danced around them, skyclad like Xena, arms raised joyously.They’re our ancestors, here to help!

Xena continued as Mercy’s gaze remained fixed on the Goode witches who had answered her invocation.

“I am Xena—faithful familiar, beloved by generations who follow The Path

I am Xena—willingly allied to this family

I am Xena—who will not let my kitten die

I call you now—ancestors of Mercy Goode—whose life has just begun

Lend me your power—this day—this very hour

Take from me what I give willingly