Chapter 78
Xena’s POV
The same intense applause erupted throughout the tent. A violin rendition of Schubert’s melody began to play softly as Logan, Leonard, and two other members of my pack approached Samuel’s casket. They lifted it slowly and carried it with measured steps toward the grassy area outside the tent, gently placing it on the wooden pyre that had been prepared.
My father handed the already–lit torch to Leonard, who shook his head in refusal. Logan, his eyes filled with unwavering determination, stepped forward and took it. I gripped Ama’s hand tightly, as if it were my lifeline. After a moment’s hesitation, Logan placed the torch beneath the wooden pyre supporting Samuel’s body. The flames surged upward instantly, and I instinctively flinched. Logan returned to sit beside us. As the gentle, soothing music drifted through the air, we watched Samuel’s body slowly turn to ash.
My heart felt like it was being torn in two. Each leap of the flames was like fire searing through my soul.
Dad sat there for about ten minutes before standing and walking to the front.
“Food and drinks are prepared in the backyard of the pack house. The family invites everyone to continue honoring Samuel’s memory there.”
People began to rise, gradually making their way toward the backyard. A few lingered, but most descended. Looking around, only Samuel’s father remained, his gaze fixed on the
flames.
I took a deep breath, preparing to do something either extremely brave or extremely foolish. My heart pounded in my chest, my legs felt weak, but I knew I had to do this. For Samuel, for myself, and for the father who had lost his son.
“Excuse me, sir,” I approached him, my entire body trembling. I could feel countless eyes
watching me.
“What is it?” The hatred in his eyes was almost tangible.
So it was extreme foolishness, then. I laughed bitterly in my mind.
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“I wanted to tell you how truly sorry I am. Samuel was like a brother to me. I admired him deeply and loved him. I know my pain is nothing compared to yours, but I want you to
know that I feel guilty, and this guilt will follow me for the rest of my life.” I paused, looking directly into his eyes. “I also know that because of who I am, you might not have
had the chance to express your emotions as you needed to. I’m giving you that opportunity. You can yell at me, curse me, say anything you want. This is your chance.”
The shock on his face was unmistakable. I waited, watching him rise to his feet. I swear
no one around me seemed to be breathing; everyone was waiting to see what would happen next.
My palms were sweating, but I straightened my back. Whatever he had to say, I could take
- it. This was what I owed Samuel, what I owed his father.
“Young lady, I’ve watched you grow up. I know what kind of person you are. I’ve been wanting to do exactly what you just described. My son was miserable recently, just training and studying obsessively. I’ve never seen him like that. I don’t know if it had to
do with you, but I watched him close himself off. I was worried about him. I tried talking to him, asked your father, but nothing helped. I just watched him sink deeper into that swamp. He loved you, and it killed him. You poisoned his mind, shattered his heart, and took his life. I know you’ll carry this burden forever. Maybe one day I’ll forgive you, but today is not that day.”
He turned and walked away. Tears silently streamed down my face as I watched his retreating figure, his shoulders more hunched than before.
“Just like your mother, bringing misfortune to everything around you,” Martha’s mocking voice appeared abruptly. Though not loud, it was enough to draw attention.
I didn’t want to cause a scene at Samuel’s funeral. I didn’t even look at her as I walked toward the backyard.
“Don’t you think you’re shameful? Being the root cause yet pretending to be the victim. Your mother died years ago–how did you learn this trick from her?” Martha’s voice grew louder. She was clearly enjoying this moment of my weakness, my refusal to fight back.
Damn it! I know I shouldn’t respond to her, but my instincts made me stop in my tracks. I turned, my gaze cold as I looked at her.
This seemed to be exactly what she expected, exciting her even more. “There you are, you
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haven’t changed at all.” Her tone dripped with sarcasm. “Samuel’s father came to me earlier, begging to know what happened between his son and you! I told him you dumped him! That you’re with another pack’s Alpha’s son now! Hahaha!”
I walked toward her step by step. But the closer I got, the more excited and frenzied she became. Her voice had escalated to a scream, spittle flying from her mouth. “You little
slut, this is all your fault!!”
I knew my eyes had turned black. Rage boiled within me like magma. I could barely control my transformation. In an instant, my rationality was consumed by wildness, leaving only one thought: tear this woman apart.
“Xena! Samuel is watching you!” Samuel’s father’s voice suddenly broke through. My hand, poised to slap Martha, froze in mid–air. In that moment, an overwhelming sense of shame crashed over me. I was still the same as before, just as Martha had said. I slowly lowered my hand, closing my eyes in anguish.
SLAP! A sharp pain exploded across my left cheek, sending me staggering backward and
falling to the ground.
“Damn it, Martha!” Dad roared.
I opened my eyes to see Dad gripping Martha’s arm tightly. She flashed me an evil smile. I felt something running down my chin–probably blood.
“The bitch deserved it,” she spat at me.
“Tomorrow, when we’re equals and I’m no longer a member of this pack, we-” I snarled furiously.
“Ryder, get her out of here!” I heard Logan shout as my claws began to extend.
“I order you to the cells!” Dad commanded Martha sternly. “Take her to the cells, Logan.”
Ryder tried to move me, but it wasn’t happening. That bitch had to pay. Eventually, Ryder hoisted me over his shoulder. Fortunately, I had a clear view of Martha being kicked and dragged screaming to the cells. Leonard was helping, and Ryder’s pack followed us toward
the car.
“Xena!” Ryder shouted harshly in my face. My attention shifted from Martha to him.
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“Baby, breathe. Relax your body.” Ryder pressed me against the car. His hands rubbed up and down my arms.
My heartbeat was still racing, but Ryder’s scent gradually calmed the frenzy inside me. His touch was like a spell, helping me regain a semblance of rationality.
“I’m going to kill her,” I whispered, my voice trembling with anger.
“It’s okay.”
“You said you wouldn’t let her hit me.”
“I know. I’m sorry. I was too far away to stop it in time.”
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