Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Ama immediately covered my mouth with her hand, her eyes flashing with distress. "Don't say things like that, she scolded, her lower lip trembling.

"Bring her over here," Penelope ordered the warriors.

They dragged Martha's now-conscious form in front of us. Her eyes were wild with rage and something that looked like panic, though she tried to hide it behind vicious curses.

You fucking bitches!" Martha spat, struggling against her bonds. "I'll kill all of you! Every last one!"

Her threats were empty now, almost comical coming from someone so clearly broken and defeated. But I could see the fear lurking behind her fury.

"Calm down," I said coldly.

"Give her two punches to help her think clearly," Penelope commanded the warrior standing behind Martha.

The warrior delivered two solid blows to Martha's waist. Given her current weakened state, the impacts sent her crashing to the floor with an agonized wail. She writhed on the ground, screaming at the top of her lungs.

The warrior looked at us uncertainly, clearly not sure if this was the desired result. "Shut up," Penelope said icily.

But Martha ignored the command, continuing to scream and thrash. The noise was grating on my nerves, and I realized this was probably part of her strategy to create chaos and buy time.

"Help me up," I said to Ama gently.

She supported my weight as I slowly stood and walked over to Martha. Every step sent pain shooting through my body, but I kept my expression neutral. I gestured for the warrior to pull Martha up into a kneeling position so we were face to face.noveldrama

Martha glared at me with undisguised hatred.

"I've already killed Tatum and Wiley," I said calmly, my voice deadly quiet. 'I don't mind adding you to that list. If you can give me the information I want, I won't kill you. If you keep screaming like this, I'll end your life right now."

I extended my claws and drew them lightly across her throat, just deep enough to draw blood. In my peripheral vision, I noticed Ama staring at me in shock, probably surprised by this new side of me she'd never seen before.

Martha's eyes widened with terror. She had no idea what I'd been through, probably still thought of me as that hot-tempered girl from before. But I wasn't that person anymore.

"If you agree to cooperate, nod," I said coldly.

Martha's face remained frozen in fear. After a moment, she seemed to lose all fight, her gaze drifting away from mine as if her soul had left her body. She wouldn't look at me anymore.

I understood that Martha wouldn't confess easily. "Amá, help me up."

"Let's put her in a cell for now and interrogate her properly later," Ama suggested. Penelope nodded and looked at me questioningly

"We can't put Martha in a cell," I said firmly. "We don't know who her accomplices are. The prison isn't safe-she might be killed or rescued again."

Penelope and Ama nodded in understanding.

"What's the plan then?' Ama asked.

Keep Martha locked in this room's bathroom, with two warriors taking turns guarding her," I replied,

"Good idea," Penelope agreed, then commanded the warriors to follow my instructions.

The warriors began dragging Martha toward the bathroom despite her muffled protests and struggles. There was nothing she could do to resist,

*I'll arrange for a doctor to examine her physical condition," Penelope said. 'Her current health can't withstand serious torture."

I nodded in agreement. "Let me know if the prison investigation turns up anything."

"Of course, Penelope said, then quickly ran out the door to coordinate everything. Chapter Comments

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