Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 70

Xena's POV

"Xena, it's Samuel's father. He completely broke down and the doctors had to sedate him.

He blames you, says you chose Ryder instead of his son." Leonard blurted it all out in one

breath.

"That doesn't need to be shared right now! It could have waited. What do you think she can do about it now?" To my surprise, William was taking my side.

The pain crashed over me in waves. I turned away, steadying myself against the wall.

"I don't know. Everything's a mess. My brother is dead. I just..." Leonard looked completely lost.

I listened to Leonard's anguished voice. I knew his personality well enough to know I needed to stabilize him first, prevent him from doing something reckless. "Sit down," I told him. He looked at me, hesitated for a moment, then followed my instruction, burying

his head in his hands.

I took a deep breath, trying to organize my thoughts. Despite my heart screaming and crying inside, I had to stay calm. "I don't blame him for reacting that way. He just lost his son, his only son. I'd be surprised if he could accept it. Samuel died a hero, and we'll honor him as one. I understand your pain; he was my brother too. He was part of us, and always will be. If we fall apart because of this and don't seek out his killers, that would be the real dishonor to his memory. We'll find the truth and avenge him, but you need to stay clear-headed. We can't lose you too." Every word felt like it was being squeezed from the depths of my soul, each sentence making my heart ache even more.

"I know you're right, but damn, it's hard," Leonard remained immersed in his grief.

"I understand. My eyes are dry and painful because I've run out of tears. But we'll keep him in our hearts forever." I gazed down the hallway and saw Logan running toward us, sighing when he realized he was too late.

"X, why aren't you in bed resting?" he asked.

1/4

"Tim sorry, Il snoutun

Laygan.

Have

can come to me anytime. Leonard, for Samuellss saite, we need to stay

answer, just nodded slightly. He gave Logan

you okay?" Logan

but

and left to follow

the door whem William spoke up."

I'm not in the mood to hear it." I noticed the bruise on his cheek a felt a complex mixture of emotions. Even in this moment,

doing?"

"Yes."

all he did," I said, returning

"What happened?" Ryden asked!.

said Samuel's father mulled to be sedated," I said softly, feeling

from my bones.

Ryder opened his arms to me. I slowly moved over

want to honor Samuel?" he

thought about it wor mind was still stuckkontthe

a special tree? Or hold

Chapter 70

truly didn't know what I wanted. I leaned against his shoulder, Ryder's hand resting gently on my

and we'll make it happen," Ryder kissed the top of

Why are you acting this way now? Last night when Amara said Samuel loved me, you

"Logan and I talked."

else did

"Nothing special."

but whatever. I just want to go home and take a

home? Mine or

but his question was

is," he insisted

Friday it was, but now, I'm just a guest,"

for