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 barely above

the same nose!" I exclaimed, my heart hammering against my ribs. This couldn't be coincidence.

really is," Ama agreed, her

face in the photo. A sense of foreboding settled in my stomach like a heavy

William asked, his voice low and serious. "A stranger... just twenty feet away

other side of the pack territory. By

the location with growing

where

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

1/3

Chapter 210

after &

they found that location? Ama asked, fidgeting

he replied without elaborating, which only heightened my

our mental link, trying to

response came immediately. He sounded lightly out of

you found anything?" I asked

sent some people to see where it leads.

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

Father's called in people with sonar to do a complete ground scan. They'll look

"This is bad.

all the photos?" Ryder asked,

Just a few more to go through," I

tell me. If not, you can start

sounding needy, but I genuinely wanted him beside me right