Page 79 of Hex You

Mercy pushed her hair back behind her ears with a trembling hand. “I understand. I’ll take my punishment.”

There is an alternative,said the goddess.

Hope fluttered around in Mercy’s stomach, so breathless and desperate that she thought she might puke. “Whatever it is, if I can I’ll do it.”

It is quite simple, really. At any time before you breathe your last breath, simply call my name thrice and then speak your sister’s full name thrice as well. By doing that you will be asking that I release your soul from being bound to the hex, but in turn the binding shall shift to your sister. I will honor your request and allow you to enter the Summerlands.

Mercy stared at her goddess. “But what happens to Hunter?”

That depends upon how long Upuant lives. The hex will run its course and be broken at his death. Or, of course, should he atone for his mistakes, then that, too, would break the hex and free your sister’s soul—just as either would free you from Niflheim.

Mercy blurted the first question that came to her mind. “How long do demi-gods live?”

Freya shrugged smooth, porcelain shoulders.Upuant has lived forseveral millennia. Unless a more powerful being destroys him, he could live for several more millennia.

“So, definitely longer than a human lifespan,” Mercy muttered.

Again, the goddess’s lips twitched.Yes.

“I have a terrible choice to make!”

Hexes are terrible things, Mercy Anne Goode, especially in the hands of a powerful, angry witch.Her expression softened.Choose wisely, my Green Witch. Niflheim is unpleasant.

The giant’s hand of grief and guilt returned to press down on Mercy. “I’ve made a lot of mistakes.”

Yes, but it is difficult to learn without making mistakes,said Freya.

Mercy sighed. “Well, yeah, but I was supposed to have a bunch of years for that kind of learning.”

Life often surprises me. I shall look forward to your decision. Know that, wherever you are, whatever you choose—you will always be favored by me. Now fare thee well, my dear one.The goddess lifted her arms and the cloak of falcon feathers rippled.

“Freya, would you tell my mom that I love her, please?”

Freya smiled.I shall, indeed, young witch. But like me, Abigail Goode has never doubted your love. We have only, occasionally, doubted your judgment.Then the cloak of feathers exploded, leaving a magnificent falcon who soared up through the roof of the greenhouse and disappeared into the stars.

Mercy blew out the candle and with heavy feet made her way wearily through the night-damp grass to the back door of her home. She paused there, invisible in the velvet darkness, as she looked through the glass door into her brightly lit house. She could hear the murmur of the television and Khenti’s distant laughter, echoed by Emily and Jax. Hunter walked from the living room through the breakfast nook and into the kitchen, where Mercy watched her open the fridge and cupboards, pulling out coconut milk, cocoa, and marshmallows for hot chocolate. Mercy didn’t realize she was crying until tears soaked her shirt.

She didn’t bother to wipe her cheeks.

“Xena, I need you in here!” Hunter called.

Xena hurried into the kitchen. Color had returned to the cat person’s cheeks, and her mass of hair looked almost neat. She perched on the edge of the counter. “Yes, kitten?”

Hunter put down the bag of marshmallows and faced Xena. It was then that Mercy saw that her sister was crying, too—silently, steadily.

“Oh, sweet kitten…” Xena held her arms out and Hunter stepped into them.

“Is she really dying?” Hunter sobbed.

Xena stroked Hunter’s hair. “Yes, kitten. Our Mercy is dying.”

Mercy must have made a noise because Hunter pulled out of Xena’s arms and hurried to the door. She opened it and stared at Mercy, who wasn’t really sure what to do.

“Oh, Mag. I—I didn’t know you were there!”

Mercy stepped into the room and the twins came together, clinging to each other.

“I’m sorry you heard that!” Hunter spoke between sobs. “I’m so sorry!”