Page 8 of Sequel to the Easter Bunny

“Five tasks.” I agree. “How long do I have?”

“It’s only fair that I give you as long as it takes…”

The way her voice trails off makes me think she has no plans to be fair.

“However.”

I knew there was a caveat.

“You can go back to the mortal realm if a task requires it… but you have to return before the sun sets.”

“And if I don’t…” There are old tales of banishment.

“I will send Death for you.”

The term “do or die” has never felt so literal before.

“The tasks won’t be easy.” She brushes her hand over a cactus beside as if petting it. “But if you truly love my son…. You’ll find a way, won’t you?”

The scorn in her voice when the word “love” crossed her lips….

“But that’s not what your tasks are about. If I do them, I live. How does that prove anything to you?”

“You may have fewer questions when you’ve undertaken my demands.” Picking up the cactus beside her, she lifts it and holds it out to me. “Come closer, child.”

My focus shifts from her to the lumpy green plant as I finally get to my feet and take a cautious step forward….

A face forms on the thing. Vicious fangs, whisker-like spines.

There’s no mistaking the shape of a cat made of green, spike covered skin.

It swipes a paw covered in spikes.

“What the—” the words die on a curse as I draw back, clutching my arm.

Juun pulls the creature back to her and pets it. The cruel smile on her lips would be beautiful if I didn’t know better.

My arm feels like a mangled mess… until it numbs completely.

The mark is ugly and red. I pull my shredded sleeve up, but it’s not far enough.

The heat of Juun’s domain is somehow hotter. My skin prickles with the wrong sort of sensation.

When I wrench my blouse off….

Standing in front of the old god of summer, half dressed should be a stranger thing. I sway toward her… wanting.

I shake my head, trying to clear that away. I want… something.

But it’s definitely not her.

Confusion threatens to cloud my vision.

“Figure out how to rid yourself of that cat-ctus scratch and come back to me.” She waves her hand as if shooing me away and darkness rushes at me from all sides.

I flinch, that sudden flurry forcing me to close my eyes.

But as soon as I open them, it’s to a cool, neon-tinged space I remember.

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