Xena''s POV


    "We''re just getting started, Ryder said, his voice steady despite the tension in the air. “Keep sorting those photos, and Ell let you know immediately if I find anything."


    "Fine," I replied, picking up another photograph and beginning to trim it. My movements were noticeably slower than before, my fingers trembling slightly as the scissors glided along the edge of the photo. My heart still pounded in my chest, a constant reminder of the danger we were all in.


    The printer finally stopped its endless whirring, bringing a small sense of relief. Ama looked much better after downing some Gatorade and forcing down a little food. I wasn''t entirely convinced she should be eating, but at least some color had returned to her face. That was something.


    I grabbed the next photo in the stack and began trimming it to fit perfectly with the others, making sure there was no ovep. Just as I was about to make the final cut, something caught my eye-a face partially visible behind a tree. The features looked


    disturbingly familiar. An icy chill'' crawled up my spine, and my fingers froze mid- snip.


    "William..." My voice carried unmistakable worry.


    .0


    "What is it?" William immediately moved to my side, concern etched on his face. Look at this. I handed him the partially cut photo, my hand unsteady.


    "That''s a head," William confirmed, studying the image carefully. The picture showed me running, with Ryder beside me. How had we not noticed someone lurking behind those trees?


    "It looks like someone specific, doesn''t it?" I pressed, a note of urgency creeping into my voice. I needed confirmation that I wasn''t the only one seeing this.


    “I''m not sure.......” William frowned, squinting at the photograph.


    "Ama, does this look like someone to you?" I took the photo back from William and passed it to Ama. She narrowed her eyes, then they suddenly widened in recognition.


    "Penelope?” Her voice was barely above a whisper.


    "It''s the same nose!" I eximed, my heart hammering against my ribs. This couldn''t be coincidence. "Same face shape, and that half-smile she always has."


    "It really is," Ama agreed, her face paling slightly.


    "We can''t prove it, but it''s enough to put us on alert," I said, staring at the face in the photo. A sense of foreboding settled in my stomach like a heavy stone. If it really was Penelope, what did that mean?


    "Where was this taken?" William asked, his voice low and serious. "A stranger... just twenty feet away from you and Ryder. How did they get there?"


    "This was on the other side of the pack territory. By the pond," I replied, we encountered those Rogues."


    membering the location with growing dread.


    where


    "Are you going to tell Ryder?" I asked, uncertain if this would distract him from his current mission. We were in dangerous territory now, and every decision mattered.


    "Yes," William answered after & moment''s consideration.


    "Have they found that location? Ama asked, fidgeting with the corner of a photo.


    "They have," he replied without borating, which only heightened my concern. Was the situation worse than I imagined?


    "Ryder?" I called through our mental link, trying to keep my voice steady.


    "Is everything alright?" His response came immediately. He sounded lightly out of breath, which made my heart clench with worry.


    "Have you found anything?" I asked urgently.


    "A tunnel. I''ve sent some people to see where it leads. I''m heading to the other location you discovered, he exined.


    "I only had a tree to go on. It could be anywhere," I said, anxiety flooding my mind at how vague the clue was.


    "I know, but it''s worth checking. Father''s called in people with sonar to do aplete ground scan. They''ll look for cavities to find any tunnels."


    "This is bad.


    "Have you sorted through all the photos?" Ryder asked, his voice firm but gentle.


    Almost. Just a few more to go through," I answered, trying to keep my voice from trembling.


    "Good. If you find anything else, tell me. If not, you can start looking through other parts of the phone."


    "How long until you get back?" I hated sounding needy, but I genuinely wanted him beside me right now.


    "It''ll be a while. I''ve got Mike handling some things, and Logan''s investigating on his end."


    "This is turning into a disaster. We should consider evacuating the entire pack territory. Think about it-I or anyone else could be hurt or kidnapped at any moment. Is it really safe here?"


    Ama was finishing up thest few photos, while William had taken back the suspicious photo and was studying it intently. I could feel the tension thickening in the room like smoke.


    "I''ve been thinking the same thing. Actually, I''m considering moving all females and children out, leaving only warriors behind. We could be prepared when they attack. After tonight, they might attack as early as tomorrow."


    "Move them all to Logan''s pack during the attack. The enemy can''t fight on two fronts," I suggested, trying to think strategically despite my fear.


    "I wish I could be with you right now, but take William and go to my father''s office. Report what you''ve found," Ryder said, sounding somewhat distracted.


    "Okay." I didn''t cut our mental link, just pushed it to the back of my mind. I could hear what Ryder was saying if I wanted to without distracting him. He needed his full concentration now.


    "William?" I turned to him, working to keep my voice steady.


    "Hmm?"


    "I need to speak with Alpha Benedict. Can you take me to him?" I asked, standing


    up.


    "Of course. Ama? Will you be okay on your own?" William asked her