Chapter Sixty-Seven

Mira

In the depths of my dream, a suffocating darkness enveloped me, and I cried out as claws tore at my womb, tearing my child away from me. "No!" I called out in pain, my heart racing with desperation. I felt the sharpness of agony slicing through me, an unbearable weight holding me down.

"Let me go!" I screamed, but the claws tightened their grip, forcing me to stay rooted in this nightmarish reality. A dark figure loomed before me, its face twisted and dragon-like, eyes glinting with malice.

"You will not be able to bear whatever child you have," it hissed, its voice a chilling echo that resonated in my bones. "It's a bastard child."

The words struck me like lightning, igniting a wave of fear and anger. I fought against the grip holding me down, every instinct screaming to protect my baby. "You're wrong!" I yelled, though doubt flickered in the corners of my mind. "My child is not a bastard! My love for Anakin makes this life real!"

But the dark figure merely laughed, a cruel sound that echoed through the void. "Love won't save you, Mira. You are destined to lose everything."

As the claws dug deeper, I felt myself spiraling further into despair, the weight of the darkness threatening to consume me whole. Desperation clawed at my throat as I struggled against the shadows, determined to fight for the light that still flickered within me.

I saw my child, becoming something great, standing beside a rebellion against the Separatists and the Empire. I smiled, tears running down my face at the sight of such promise and hope. But then the image darkened, and I saw a boy—my son—at the feet of a white-haired figure clad in brown robes: Count Dooku. Both were smiling.

Confusion washed over me, and my heart raced. Dooku? What did this mean? Was my son aligning with the enemy? My instincts screamed to protect him, to pull him away from the darkness that lurked in Dooku's smile. I struggled against the urge to shout, to reach out and take my child back, but my voice caught in my throat, paralyzed by fear and uncertainty.

The scene shifted, and I felt a surge of dread as Dooku bent down, whispering something to my son. The boy's eyes lit up with curiosity, and for a moment, I caught a glimpse of innocence. Yet, I knew the danger that lay in the path he was treading. I couldn't bear to see him drawn into that world of deceit and betrayal.

"No!" I cried, but the words echoed in the void, swallowed by the darkness surrounding me. I reached out desperately, but I was still trapped, held down by the weight of my fears. The image began to fade, and I fought against the pull of unconsciousness, desperate to hold onto my son and the light I had seen in him.

The dragon smirked, its eyes gleaming with malice. "See? That's your son's path, you foolish whore," it taunted, the words slicing through me like a blade. Each syllable dripped with venom, feeding on my insecurities and fears. My heart sank as I grappled with the horrifying realization that this creature thrived on my anguish.

"No!" I screamed, defiance rising within me. "He will not follow that path! I won't let him!" But the more I resisted, the stronger the dragon's grip became, wrapping its claws around my resolve.

The vision shifted again, showing my son caught in a web of darkness, with Dooku leading him astray. I felt my heart break with each scene, each moment of my child being drawn closer to the shadows. "You don't know him!" I shouted back, my voice trembling with a mixture of fear and fury. "He's not destined for that! He has the power to choose his own fate!"

The dragon laughed, a harsh, mocking sound that reverberated in the emptiness. "You think you can protect him? You're weak. Your love can't shield him from the truth."

Despair clawed at my insides, but I refused to give in. "I will fight for him!" I declared, feeling the flicker of hope ignite within me. "I will not let your twisted visions dictate our future!"

Yet as the dragon continued to smirk, I knew the battle wasn't over. It fed on my fears, and I had to find a way to escape this nightmare and save my son from the darkness that threatened to consume him.

-

I jerked awake, heart pounding in my chest, the remnants of the nightmare clinging to my mind like a thick fog. Panic surged through me, and I cried into my hands, feeling the weight of despair and fear settle heavily on my shoulders. The images of my son with Dooku and the dragon's cruel taunts echoed in my ears, making it hard to distinguish between reality and the darkness that had chased me in my sleep.

"It was just a dream," I whispered to myself, trying to steady my breath, but the tremors in my body betrayed me. My palms were slick with sweat, and I could still feel the lingering ache in my heart from the torment of my unconscious fears. I pressed my hands against my face, willing the tears to stop, desperate to pull myself back into the present.

But the vividness of the nightmare lingered, shadows creeping into the corners of my mind. I couldn't shake the feeling that it was more than just a dream—that it was a warning, a glimpse into the potential darkness that lay ahead. The thought sent chills down my spine, and I struggled to center myself, focusing on the warmth of the healing waters still surrounding me and the comforting presence of Kyra, who was now fussing nearby.

"My lady, are you alright?" Kyra asked, her voice filled with concern as she rushed to my side, her gentle hands resting on my shoulder. I looked up at her, seeing the genuine worry etched on her face, and I nodded slowly, even though doubt still gnawed at me inside.

"I'm okay," I managed to say, but the words felt hollow. How could I be okay after a dream like that? I forced a smile, though it felt more like a mask. "Just a nightmare."

"Do you want to talk about it?" she offered, her eyes searching mine for the truth. But I shook my head, unwilling to share the darkness I had encountered. Instead, I focused on the hope I had seen in my son, vowing silently that I would fight for him, no matter what.

I wallowed and dazedly wiped the remnants of my nightmare from my mind as I sat in the healing baths. The water enveloped me like a comforting embrace, but I felt anything but relaxed. The dark memories clung to me, shadows lurking just beneath the surface.

The soft towel draped around me was rumpled, feeling coarse against my skin as I emerged from the soothing water. I could see the faintest hint of steam rising around me, and the room was filled with the gentle scent of healing herbs. Despite the calming atmosphere, a knot of anxiety twisted in my stomach.

As I gathered my thoughts, I glanced at Kyra, who was busy arranging my clothes and ensuring everything was in place. Her presence offered a small measure of comfort, but I still felt unsteady. I could almost hear the echo of the dragon's voice in my head, taunting me with its cruel words.

"I need to pull myself together," I muttered under my breath, determined to shake off the remnants of my fears. The world outside was waiting for me, and I couldn't let my nightmares dictate my reality. I took a deep breath, focusing on the warmth of the healing waters and the light that still flickered in my heart for my child.

I gave Kyra a smile, hoping to reassure her. "No, dear, it's fine. Let's go home." She nodded, her expression softening as she helped me to my feet. Together, we made our way toward the dressing room, the air filled with the comforting scent of herbs and warmth.

As I entered the room, I slipped into my queen gown again, feeling the fabric drape elegantly around me. The familiar weight of the gown was both grounding and uplifting, reminding me of the strength I needed to carry forward.

Kyra carefully adjusted the layers, ensuring everything was in place. "You look beautiful, my lady," she said, her voice filled with genuine admiration. I appreciated her kind words, even if I didn't quite feel beautiful at that moment.

"Thank you, Kyra," I replied softly. "I just need to gather my thoughts."

As I caught my reflection in the mirror, I took a deep breath, steeling myself for whatever challenges lay ahead. The haunting remnants of my dream still lingered, but I refused to let fear dictate my actions. With Kyra by my side, I was ready to face whatever awaited me in the waking world.