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

me anytime. Leonard, for Samuellss saite, we need to

just nodded slightly. He gave Logan albow and walked away

you okay?"

hurts, but I'm

left

whem William spoke up."

a complex mixture of emotions. Even in this moment, I couldn't fully forgive him, deep down, I knew

doing?"

"Yes."

that's all he did," I said, returning to

"What happened?" Ryden asked!.

be

from my bones.

to me. I slowly moved over and crawled

do you want to honor Samuel?" he

I hadn't thought about it wor mind was still stuckkontthe moment of Samuel's death,

a special tree? Or hold some kind of

Chapter 70

truly didn't know what I wanted. I leaned against his shoulder, Ryder's

what you want, and we'll make it happen," Ryder

now? Last night when Amara said

"Logan and I talked."

Logan. "What else did you talk

"Nothing special."

to go home and take a

Mine

his question was valid. "I guess your home isn't mine,"

it is," he insisted

I'm just a guest," I said softly, not wanting

with me. This isn't up for debate," Ryder's tone left no room for