Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 274

Xena's POV

Consciousness crept back slowly, like swimming up from the bottom of a dark ocean. The first thing I noticed was the sterile smell-antiseptic, clean sheeti that unmistakable hospital scent that seemed to cling to everything. My mind felt foggy, wrapped in cotton, but gradually the fog began to lift. I was alive Somehow, impossibly, I was alive.

I struggled to open my eyes, the bright light stabbing through my skull like needles, Sunlight streamed through a window, painting golden squares across the white hospital room. As my vision cleared, I became aware of a weight beside my bed. Someone was there, slumped forward with their head resting on their arms.

With tremendous effort, I lifted my head slightly to get a better look.

Ryder.

My heart stopped for a moment before hammering against my ribs. He was asleep, his blond hair falling across his forehead, exhaustion etched into every line of his face. The sight of him here, real and breathing. My world, which had been nothing but pain and darkness, suddenly burst back into color.

at the person I had missed more than my own heartbeat,

like a tidal wave, so

cheeks onto the hospital pillow. I tried to turn my head away, not

in surprise to find Ryder's green eyes looking at me with such tenderness it nearly broke me all over again. That was it-the dam burst completely. I began sobbing, all the

shook as he gently wiped away my tears, his touch feather-light against my skin. "You did it. It's over.

forehead, and I felt some of the

much," I whispered through

holding me against his chest like he was afraid I might disappear. I melted into his embrace, feeling safe and whole for the first time since this nightmare began. His heartbeat was steady beneath my ear, real and

Logan's teasing voice

At the sound of my brother's voice, the emotions I'd just managed to control

sister's turned into a crybaby," Logan said, grinning

my tears, which only