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

come to me anytime. Leonard, for Samuellss saite, we need to stay strong and move forward," Logan

slightly. He gave Logan albow and walked away

you okay?" Logan asked

but

and left to

the door whem

his cheek a felt a complex mixture of emotions. Even in this moment, I couldn't fully forgive him, deep down, I knew everyone was dealing with pain in their own way. "Was

doing?"

"Yes."

all he did," I

"What happened?" Ryden asked!.

said Samuel's father mulled to be sedated,"

from my bones.

opened his arms to me. I slowly moved over and crawled beside

want to honor

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

plant a special

Chapter 70

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

it happen,"

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

"Logan and I talked."

else did you talk

"Nothing special."

want to go home and

Mine or

was to be with Ryder, but his question was valid. "I guess your

it is," he insisted

a guest," I said softly, not

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