Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

The Lna 307

"Twelve hours, Helen replied through her tears. "This dose was diluted. It won't last as long."

That was all I needed to hear. Without a moment's pause for mercy or second thoughts, I drove the dagger deep into Helen's heart. Her eyes remained fixed on mine, wide with shock and disbelief even as life began to leave them. Blood trickled from the corner of her mouth, staining her lips crimson. Her tears were still wet on her cheeks as she slowly collapsed to the ground, the light fading from her eyes.

The air fell into an oppressive silence once again. Even the insects seemed to have stopped their chirping. Only the gentle rustling of leaves in the night breeze disturbed the quiet, creating an eerie soundtrack to the scene before us.

I turned away from Helen's lifeless body and faced the gathered warriors. My voice was low but carried clearly in the still air. "Remove your masks."

There was a moment of hesitation, a collective pause as they processed my command. Then, one by one, they began to comply. Masks fell away to reveal faces I knew. My heart sank even as I felt a surge of anger and betrayal. I had expected this, but seeing the confirmation with my own eyes still struck me like a blow.

but I pushed the pain

their captors with swift movements. In moments, the tables had turned completely. Those who had betrayed us now found themselves on

traitors to the holding cells,"

to the hospital immediately for a full examination," I

been restraining

He had always been

I needed before I

unconscious form with