Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 210

Xena's POV

"We're just getting started, Ryder said, his voice steady despite the tension in the air. “Keep sorting those photos, and Ell let you know immediately if I find anything."

"Fine," I replied, picking up another photograph and beginning to trim it. My movements were noticeably slower than before, my fingers trembling slightly as the scissors glided along the edge of the photo. My heart still pounded in my chest, a constant reminder of the danger we were all in.

The printer finally stopped its endless whirring, bringing a small sense of relief. Ama looked much better after downing some Gatorade and forcing down a little food. I wasn't entirely convinced she should be eating, but at least some color had returned to her face. That was something.

I grabbed the next photo in the stack and began trimming it to fit perfectly with the others, making sure there was no overlap. Just as I was about to make the final cut, something caught my eye-a face partially visible behind a tree. The features looked

disturbingly familiar. An icy chill' crawled up my spine, and my fingers froze mid- snip.

"William..." My voice carried unmistakable worry.

.0

"What is it?" William immediately moved to my side, concern etched on his face. Look at this. I handed him the partially cut photo, my hand unsteady.

"That's a head," William confirmed, studying the image carefully. The picture showed me running, with Ryder beside me. How had we not noticed someone lurking behind those trees?

"It looks like someone specific, doesn't it?" I pressed, a note of urgency creeping into my voice. I needed confirmation that I wasn't the only one seeing this.

“I'm not sure.......” William frowned, squinting at the photograph.

"Ama, does this look like someone to you?" I took the photo back from William and passed it to Ama. She narrowed her eyes, then they suddenly widened in recognition.

Her voice was

my ribs. This couldn't be

agreed, her

can't prove it, but it's enough to put us on alert," I said, staring at the face in the photo. A sense of foreboding settled in

voice low and serious. "A stranger... just

other side of the pack territory. By the pond," I replied, we

location

where

going to tell Ryder?" I asked, uncertain if this would distract him

1/3

Chapter 210

answered after

Ama asked, fidgeting

have," he replied without elaborating, which only heightened

through our mental link, trying to keep my voice

He sounded lightly out of breath, which made my heart clench

anything?" I asked

where it leads. I'm heading

a tree to go on. It could be anywhere," I said, anxiety flooding my mind at

know, but it's worth checking. Father's called in people with sonar to do a complete ground scan. They'll look for cavities to

"This is bad.

sorted through all the photos?" Ryder asked, his voice firm but

to go through," I answered, trying to keep my voice

tell me. If not, you can

you get back?" I hated sounding needy, but I genuinely wanted him beside me right