MIRA

I stare in horror as Anakin bows before the lady, the queen. Her name is Seraphine, and she smirks, "Ah, at last, the Jedi has come to humble himself. How nice."

The sight of him lowering his head sends a shockwave of despair through me. "Anakin, no!" I cry, my voice cracking against the constraints of the dark vines. I struggle against them, feeling the sharp edges dig into my skin, but it's no use.

Seraphine steps closer to him, her gaze predatory, as if she's savoring every moment. "Such loyalty you have for your friends, Mira. But look where it has brought you," she taunts, gesturing towards my bound form.

"Stay away from him!" I shout, the anger bubbling to the surface despite my fear. "He's not yours to manipulate!"

Anakin straightens, and for a moment, I see a flicker of defiance in his eyes. "Mira's right," he says, his voice steadying. "I won't let you control her or anyone else."

Seraphine's smile fades, replaced by an icy glare. "You really believe you can protect her?" she sneers, raising her hand as the vines around me tighten further, pulling me closer to her. "You will bow to me, Jedi, or you will lose everything you hold dear."

"Do your worst," Anakin replies, his jaw clenched with determination. "I will never give in to you."

As the tension mounts, I feel the energy in the air shift. The dark vines constricting me seem to pulse with a life of their own, as if sensing my connection to Anakin. I focus on that bond, trying to reach him through the chaos.

"Anakin, I can fight it," I whisper, hoping he can hear me above the chaos. "I know I can."

Seraphine narrows her eyes at me. "You think you can resist? You're already losing, little Jedi. Soon, you will join the ranks of my puppets."

But I refuse to give in. I push against the darkness, reaching deep within myself for that spark of light. "I will never be your puppet, Seraphine!"

Anakin takes a step forward, and the determination in his eyes ignites a fire within me. "Together, we can break this," he says, and I know he believes it.

With a newfound strength, I focus on the vines, channeling my energy into them. "Anakin, help me!" I shout, feeling the Force flow between us, a tether that cannot be severed.

Seraphine's laughter rings out, but it feels distant. "Foolish Jedi," she hisses. "You cannot resist the darkness forever."

But I won't let her win. Not now. Not ever.

-

ANAKIN

It pains me deeply to witness Mira's struggle, her anguish mirroring my own as her wings are forcibly torn. My gaze fixates on the lady, who sighs with an air of finality. "Oh dearest, I've seen enough," she declares, waving her hand dismissively.

The vines holding Mira captive loosen their grip, releasing her from their thorny embrace. As I instinctively move to assist her, Lady Seraphine intercepts me, cupping my cheek with unsettling gentleness.

"No, no, little toy," she coos, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "You're not allowed to touch her now. You belong to me."

Her words send a chill down my spine, leaving me torn between my desire to help Mira and the growing realization of my own dire situation.

"Let her go!" I demand, fighting against the invisible chains that bind me to Seraphine's will. "You don't have to do this!"

Seraphine's red eyes sparkle with amusement as she watches my struggle. "Oh, Anakin, you misunderstand the situation. This isn't about what I want. It's about what you need," she says, her fingers still tracing my jawline. "You've been so noble, so brave, but the darkness calls to you. It's time you embrace it."

"No," I gasp, shaking my head. "I'll never embrace the darkness. Not now, not ever."

Mira stumbles to her feet, her wings trembling as she fights to regain her composure. "Anakin!" she cries, her voice a lifeline amidst the turmoil. "I can't let her take you! Fight her!"

"Stay back, Mira!" I shout, desperate to protect her from Seraphine's influence. But even as I say the words, I can feel the pull of the dark side tightening around me, tempting me with promises of power and the ability to save her.

"Look at her," Seraphine says, her tone turning colder. "She is weak, and she has already suffered so much. How long before you abandon her to save yourself? How long before you realize that your love will not save you?"

Mira's eyes flash with determination. "I won't give up on you, Anakin. You have to fight this!"

I meet her gaze, and in that moment, I see the depths of her resolve. Her faith ignites a spark within me, pushing back against the shadows. "I won't let her win, Mira," I promise, my voice firm. "Not now, not ever."

Seraphine's smile fades as she senses the shift in the atmosphere. "Oh, how cute," she sneers. "You think love can conquer all? You're naïve, Anakin. You can't protect her forever."

As she leans closer, I feel the darkness creeping in, whispering sweet nothings into my ear, trying to drown out Mira's voice. "Anakin," she pleads, and her desperation fuels my anger.

"No!" I shout, pushing back against Seraphine's influence. "I choose my own path!"

With a surge of determination, I summon the Force, breaking free from her hold. The power flows through me, and I reach for my lightsaber, igniting it with a fierce resolve. "I will fight for her, and I will fight for us!"

Mira stands by my side, her wings spreading wide despite the remnants of Seraphine's darkness that linger. Together, we prepare to confront the evil that threatens to tear us apart.

"Prepare yourself, Seraphine," I warn, my grip on the saber tightening. "You've underestimated the strength of our bond. We will not fall to your darkness."

She chuckles and steps back, and I feel a coldness seep into me as she turns to face the doorway. "Then your family and friends will die," she taunts, her voice echoing ominously in the empty space.

And just like that, she's gone, disappearing into the shadows with a grace that sends a chill down my spine. The air feels heavier, suffocating, as panic grips my heart.

All I can hear is Mira's cry of pain.