Xena''s POV


    "Come here," Ryder said, turning in his chair to make space for me or hisp. His voice was so gentle, as if he somehow knew the turmoil raging inside me.


    I hesitated before stepping closer. "What if it''s about my dad?" The fear that had been gnawing at me finally escaped my lips, my voice slightly trembling despite my attempts to sound strong.


    Ryder''s green eyes softened as he looked up at me. "Sweetheart, everyone dies eventually, I know you''re not ready to let him go, but look at his life right now. Living with someone like Martha. He''s only putting up with her to stay alive for you and Logan. But now that Logan can take over, if he dies, he''ll be free of her."


    His logic made perfect sense, but my heart wasn''t ready to ept it. My father, despite his ws and inability to protect me from Martha, was still my father.


    "I wish he would just tie her up somewhere and never let her see the light of day again," I said through gritted teeth, hatred for that woman burning through my veins like poison.


    9


    Ryder shook his head. "She''d just order someone to untie her. Unless Logan bes Alpha and she loses her Luna status, no one can do anything."


    "I don''t know." I sighed, feeling helpless and defeated. How I wished for some magical solution that would remove Martha from our lives forever and restore peace to our home.


    A knock at the door interrupted my dark thoughts, and I instantly recognized it as Logan. I jumped up and rushed to open it.


    "LOGAN!" I practicallyunched myself at him, nearly knocking him over. He caught me, but had to take several steps back to regain his bnce. Seeing him safe and sound made the knot in my chest loosen, and tears threatened to spill from my eyes.


    "Logan," Ryder acknowledged, reaching out to shake his hand once I''d finally released my brother.


    "I was so worried!" I hugged Logan again, not wanting to let go, afraid he might disappear once more.


    He set me down, looking confused. "Why? I told you I''de."


    "You told me you couldn''t talk to me! You never do that! I thought something had happened to you." My voice was usatory butced with genuine concern.


    Logan and I moved to the couch, with Ryder locking the door behind us to ensure privacy. I noticed immediately how exhausted Logan looked, as if he''d aged overnight.


    "Your timing couldn''t be worse," Logan said, looking like he''d aged twenty years. My heart sank, instinct telling me something terrible had happened.


    "What''s going on?" I asked urgently, but Logan ignored my question, picking up the sketch I''d been working on earlier.


    "This is really good," he said, examining my drawing and deliberately changing the subject. I knew him too well - he was stalling, not wanting to deliver the bad news just yet.


    Ryder sat beside me but leaned back, giving us space. Logan handed the sketch to him. "Have you seen..."


    "No," Ryder studied the drawing. "Exceptional quality as always."


    It''ll be better when it''s finished," I said dismissively, then turned to Logan. "So, talk." Seeing Logan lower his head, my nerves tightened. He rested his elbows on his knees, leaning forward. Whatever wasing wasn''t good.


    "It''s bad. Martha''s shifted her attention from you to Penelope. Logan didn''t look up at me. Instantly, guilt flooded through me, and my hand flew to my mouth.


    "No." The word was barely audible as my stomach twisted into knots Penelope had be a target because of me, because I wasn''t there anymore.


    "Yeah. It''s bad. Dad''s threats aren''t working; she thinks she''s untouchable. I can''t be with Penelope every day because Dad has me doing things, and..." Logan''s voice trailed off as he shook his head. could feel his helplessness and frustration, which only made my


    heart ache more.


    "Oh, Penelope, with everything her father''s going through..." My voice quavered. I couldn''t forgive myself for putting Penelope in Martha''s crosshairs.


    Ryder leaned forward, cing aforting hand on my back.


    "Xena, Dad has no choice." Logan''s eyes pleaded with me to understand. He even called me Xena, which alone indicated the gravity of the situation. My heart plummeted, sensing the worst news was yet toe.


    "Oh, Dad..." I whispered, tears already forming in my eyes. Whatever was about to hear, I knew our family would never be the same again.