I wake up in the medbay, disoriented and drenched in sweat. The sterile scent of antiseptic fills the air, a reminder of the chaos I just escaped. My heart races as I scan the room, searching for the familiar figure of Anakin. A knot of anxiety twists in my stomach when I realize he's not there.

Instead, Kix is by my side, focused on a wound on my leg. His brow is furrowed in concentration as he gently cleans the gash, the antiseptic stinging against my skin. I feel a sharp twinge of pain, but it's overshadowed by a wave of relief at seeing a friendly face.

Kix notices me stirring and looks up, a warm smile breaking across his face. "Mira, hey." His voice is calm and reassuring, a soothing balm against the turmoil in my mind. The faint beeping of machines and the soft rustle of medical supplies create a rhythmic background, grounding me in the moment.

As I take a deep breath, I can feel the weight of my exhaustion pressing down on me, but Kix's presence reminds me that I'm safe. For now, at least.

Kix studies me intently, his brow slightly furrowed with concern. "Are you feeling alright? You're looking a bit... under the weather."

I flinch at the word "ruggishness." No one has called me that in a long time, and it stirs up memories of home, of Lothal, before the war tore everything apart. The thought of the peaceful days I once knew feels like a distant dream, obscured by the harsh realities of battle and loss that now define my existence.

"I haven't been back to Lothal in a while," I reply softly, my voice barely above a whisper. "Since this war started." The weight of my words hangs heavy in the air between us, a stark reminder of everything that's been lost—not just my home, but the sense of normalcy I once took for granted.

Kix nods, his expression sympathetic. "I can only imagine how hard that must be," he says, continuing to tend to my leg. The gentle pressure of his hands is a comfort amidst the chaos in my mind. As he works, I can't help but let my thoughts drift back to Lothal—the vibrant landscapes, the laughter of friends, and the sense of belonging that feels like a lifetime ago.

"Has Anakin even been here?" I ask, my voice tinged with a mix of hope and worry. Even as I pose the question, I can sense the answer in my heart, a faint connection to my husband that lingers like a whisper in the air. The familiar warmth of his presence, a comforting balm amidst the chaos, floods my senses.

Kix pauses for a moment, his brow furrowing slightly as he considers my question. "He's been in and out," he replies, a hint of concern etched on his face. "He's been focused on the mission, but I know he's worried about you. He feels... everything."

I nod, the ache of longing settling deeper within me. I miss him—his laughter, his strength, the way he always seems to know what I need before I do. The thought of him out there, fighting against the tide of darkness, both inspires and terrifies me.

"Tell him I'm okay," I murmur, almost to myself. "He needs to know."

Kix nods, then gives my hand a reassuring squeeze before pressing a quick kiss to my forehead. "I'll make sure he knows," he promises, his voice steady. As he walks out, I'm left alone in the medbay, a swirl of thoughts crowding my mind.

The sterile smell of antiseptic lingers in the air, mixing with my apprehension. I can't shake the feeling that Darkstalker's words echo in my ears like a haunting melody. Did he truly see the future? Was it possible that I could become his queen, a figure of darkness and despair?

I lean back against the pillows, closing my eyes, willing the images of his menacing grin and silver earrings to fade. Anakin is my heart; he's the light that guides me through the shadows. I refuse to let those sinister predictions take root in my mind.

But doubt creeps in like a thief in the night, stealing away my resolve. What if there's truth in Darkstalker's claims? What if the bonds I cherish could be twisted into chains? I grip the edges of the blanket, trying to ground myself in reality.

No matter what future lies ahead, I will fight to hold onto who I am. I will not let the darkness claim me. My thoughts drift to Anakin's face, the way he looks at me with unwavering love and fierce determination.

I will find a way back to him, back to the light, and I won't let anyone—or anything—stand in my way.

-

Anakin enters the medbay about an hour later, looking worn and sweaty, his face marked with the fatigue of battle. When our eyes meet, a spark ignites between us, cutting through the haze of uncertainty that has settled over me.

"Mira," he breathes, a mixture of relief and concern flooding his features. Without hesitation, he strides toward me, wrapping his arms around me in a tight embrace. I melt into his warmth, feeling his heart pounding against my chest, matching the rapid beat of my own.

His lips find mine, and it's like coming home. The world outside fades, and in this moment, it's just us. I can taste the salt of his sweat and the adrenaline still lingering on his skin, but I don't care. All that matters is that he's here, holding me close, reassuring me that I'm safe.

"I was so worried," he whispers against my hair, his voice low and rough. "I didn't know if you were okay."

"I'm fine now," I reply, pulling back slightly to look into his eyes. "You came back to me."

He cups my face in his hands, his thumbs brushing away the remnants of fear and doubt that cling to my thoughts. "I'll always come back to you," he promises, his gaze steady and fierce. "No matter what."

Just then, a jolt of unease runs through me, a reminder of Darkstalker's words. But Anakin's presence is a balm, soothing the raw edges of my mind. I lean into him, grateful for the strength he brings and the love we share.

"Did you... did you find out anything?" I ask, my voice barely a whisper.

He hesitates, his brow furrowing. "We took out the droids, but there's still a lot of chaos out there. We'll figure it out together."

His determination is palpable, a fortress against the shadows that threaten to encroach on our lives. I nod, allowing his conviction to fill the spaces of uncertainty within me.

"I believe in us," I say, resting my head against his shoulder, savoring the moment.

Anakin tightens his embrace, and for a brief second, it feels like the world is right again.

"What about Seraphine?" I ask, anxiety creeping into my voice. The name sends a shiver down my spine, recalling the coldness of her presence and the twisted power she wielded.

Anakin's expression darkens, and he tightens his grip around me. "She's gone," he replies, his voice steady but laced with tension. "We couldn't find any trace of her."

A wave of relief washes over me, but it's quickly overshadowed by a gnawing fear. "But what if she returns?" I press, needing to understand the threat that still looms.

Anakin sighs, running a hand through his hair, the gesture revealing the weight of his worry. "We'll be ready for her. I promise. I won't let her get to you again."

The sincerity in his words calms the turmoil within me, but I can't shake the feeling that her absence is merely a temporary reprieve. "I just..." I hesitate, choosing my words carefully. "I can't shake the feeling that she's still out there, plotting."

He nods, his eyes searching mine. "I feel it too. But for now, we need to focus on the mission. There's a lot at stake, and we can't let fear dictate our actions."

I swallow hard, trying to push aside the haunting images of Darkstalker and Seraphine. "You're right. We need to stay strong, together."

Anakin's eyes soften, and he leans in, brushing his lips against my forehead. "Together," he echoes, reinforcing the bond we share.

In that moment, the darkness seems a little less daunting, and I find comfort in the strength of our connection, ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead.