Don''t Poke the Luna


    Xena''s POV


    "There, I did it." I pushed away the will, feeling a strange sense of urease wash over me, like I''d been forced to touch a secret that shouldn''t belong to me. "I need to go, but Samuel''s father wants you to call him."


    Logan stood up, gathering his things, exhaustion evident in every movement.


    "Do you think that''s a good idea?" Ryder asked Logan, tensioncing his voice.


    "I think he''s ready to apologize and forgive. He needs this final good ye. The tree''s been nted, and I had a que made saying it was from you. So, if he thanks you, that''s what happened."


    I studied my twin brother''s face-the dark circles under his eyes, the tight line of


    his mouth. ''Are you okay? You''re under so much pressure right now."


    み


    "I''m fine. I just need to get through this week. With any luck, Dad will hang


    on


    bit longer."


    I stood and gave Logan a long hug. The way he held me made me feel like he thought this might be thest time he''d see me.


    "Stay safe. I can''t worry about you right now," he said, his eyes vacant in a way I''d never seen before.


    Ryder stood up. "I will,” I promised Logan solemnly.


    Logan nodded and left. As soon as the door closed behind him, rage erupted through me.


    "This is all such a FUCKING mess!" I whirled around and mmed my fist into the wall. The pain shooting through my knuckles was hot and sharp, but nothingpared to the helpless fury burning inside me.


    Ryder gently took my injured hand in his. "Easy. We''ll figure this out.


    I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself. "I still don''t know how to face


    Samuel''s father. Even if he says he''s forgiven me, I still remember what he said


    at the funeral. I still think I''m the fucking reason his son is dead.”


    Ryder pulled me into his arms, his embrace warm and secure. "Listen" he said softly, "Samuel loved you and he loved his father. You were both the most important people to him. Only reconciliation will bring real redemption-for you, for his father, even for Samuel."


    "What if he changes his mind? What if he mes me again?" My voice trembled.


    "Then let him say his piece. ept whatever emotion he brings. It''s part of his process after losing his son." Ryder stroked my hair. "But I believe Logan is right- he''s truly ready to forgive."


    I took a deep breath and nodded, straightening up from Ryder''s embrace. "Okay, I''ll call him now."


    We sat together on the sofa, the cushions dipping slightly beneath our weight. I pulled out my phone, my finger hovering over the screen hesitantly. Ryder seemed to sense my reluctance; he gave me an encouraging smile before walking out the door.


    I scrolled through my contacts and found Samuel''s home number. My finger trembled slightly as I hit the call button and held the phone to my ear. The phone rang twice before someone answered, each ring seeming to stretch my nerves tighter.


    "Hello?" The voice on the other end made my chest tighten.


    H-hello. This is..." My heart hammered against my ribcage.


    Xena. Thank you for calling. His voice was unexpectedly calm, cateing me off guard.


    Of course. What can I do for you?" I knew my voice was shaking.


    "I wanted to apologize. Isippréciate you allowing me to say what I needed to say. Even so, I''m sorry for my behavior. I know you loved Samuel. I wish it had been in a different way, but the Moon Go knows what''s best. You''re a good person who deserves happiness. I hope you''ve found it. His words were like warm water, owly melfing a block of ice inside my chest.


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