Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 278

Xena's POV

"Thank you, Jericho whispered, his voice breaking with relief. 'Thank you so much.*

'We need to move quickly,' Logan said, already turning toward the exit. "If what you're saying is true about the bond, time is critical."

Ryder stepped forward. "What about Wiley's remaining forces? We killed him and Tatum, but there could still be loyalists."

"With both Wiley and Tatum dead, they'll be looking explained.

new leadership. Some might scatter, others might try to claim power for themselves, Jericho

"Then we need to secure that facility completely," I said. "We can't leave those weapons and serums for someone else to find."

Logan nodded. 'I'll send teams to sweep the entire compound. But first, let's get to Tansy."

'I want to go with you," I said firmly, my voice cutting through the sudden silence in the room.

to stare at me with identical expressions of

not," Ryder said immediately, moving closer to my bed. "You just got out of surgery. You

in no condition

through my body. "I have the right to be involved in all decisions that affect our territory and our people. And let's not forget-I'm the one who killed both Wiley and

words hung in the air like a challenge. Both men looked at each other, then back at me,

softly, his eyes pleading. "This is about

replied coldly. "And I won't be sidelined anymore. Penelope

heavily, running his

take me with you, or I'll find my own way there.

jaw clenched, and I could see the internal battle playing across

said reluctantly. "But you

but he nodded grimly. "I'll get

helicopter, Logan said, already heading toward the door with Jericho

protest. It felt like I'd been hit by a freight train. Pain shot through my ribs, my legs felt like jelly, and my left arm... I caught sight of it in my peripheral vision, the stark white cast and the empty space where my

mood. The reality of my loss hit me like a physical

my breath and began the agonizing process of moving toward the edge of the bed. Every inch was a battle, my body protesting with waves of pain that