Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 78

Xena's POV

The same intense applause erupted throughout the tent. A violin rendition of Schubert's melody began to play softly as Logan, Leonard, and two other members of my pack approached Samuel's casket. They lifted it slowly and carried it with measured steps toward the grassy area outside the tent, gently placing it on the wooden pyre that had been prepared.

My father handed the already-lit torch to Leonard, who shook his head in refusal. Logan, his eyes filled with unwavering determination, stepped forward and took it. I gripped Ama's hand tightly, as if it were my lifeline. After a moment's hesitation, Logan placed the torch beneath the wooden pyre supporting Samuel's body. The flames surged upward instantly, and I instinctively flinched. Logan returned to sit beside us. As the gentle, soothing music drifted through the air, we watched Samuel's body slowly turn to ash.

My heart felt like it was being torn in two. Each leap of the flames was like fire searing through my soul.

Dad sat there for about ten minutes before standing and walking to the front.

"Food and drinks are prepared in the backyard of the pack house. The family invites everyone to continue honoring Samuel's memory there."

People began to rise, gradually making their way toward the backyard. A few lingered, but most descended. Looking around, only Samuel's father remained, his gaze fixed on the

flames.

I took a deep breath, preparing to do something either extremely brave or extremely foolish. My heart pounded in my chest, my legs felt weak, but I knew I had to do this. For Samuel, for myself, and for the father who had lost his son.

"Excuse me, sir," I approached him, my entire body trembling. I could feel countless eyes

watching me.

"What is it?" The hatred in his eyes was almost tangible.

So it was extreme foolishness, then. I laughed bitterly in my mind.

1/4

Chapter 78

"I wanted to tell you how truly sorry I am. Samuel was like a brother to me. I admired him deeply and loved him. I know my pain is nothing compared to yours, but I want you to

will follow me for the rest of my life." I paused,

express your emotions as you needed to. I'm giving you that opportunity. You can yell

face was unmistakable. I waited, watching him rise

everyone was waiting to see what would happen

sweating, but I straightened my back.

was what I owed Samuel, what I owed

exactly what you just described. My son was miserable recently, just training and studying obsessively. I've never seen him like that. I don't know if it

that swamp. He loved you, and it killed him. You poisoned his mind, shattered his heart, and took his life. I know you'll carry this burden

face as I watched his retreating figure, his shoulders more

to everything around you," Martha's mocking voice appeared abruptly. Though not loud,

Samuel's funeral. I didn't even look

ago-how did you learn this trick from her?" Martha's voice grew louder. She was clearly enjoying this moment of my

me stop in my tracks. I turned, my gaze cold as I looked at

exactly what she expected, exciting her even more.

2/4

Chapter 78

changed at all." Her tone dripped with sarcasm. "Samuel's father came to me earlier, begging to know what happened between his son and you! I

her step by step. But the closer I got, the more excited and frenzied

this is all your

barely control my transformation. In an instant, my rationality was consumed by wildness, leaving only one thought:

suddenly broke through. My hand, poised to slap Martha, froze in mid-air. In that moment, an overwhelming sense of shame crashed over me. I was still the same as before, just as Martha had said. I slowly lowered my hand, closing my eyes in anguish. SLAP! A sharp pain exploded across my left cheek, sending me staggering backward

falling to the ground.

it, Martha!"

flashed me an

it,"

and I'm no longer a

here!" I heard Logan

cells!" Dad commanded

over his shoulder. Fortunately, I had a clear view of Martha being kicked