The early morning sun spilled across Padme's luxurious suite, casting a soft, golden glow that kissed my skin as I stretched in the expansive, king-sized bed. The nightgown I wore shifted slightly with my movement, the soft fabric grazing against my legs. I smiled, a lazy, contented stretch, then rubbed my eyes with the back of my hand, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep. My bare feet met the cool, smooth tiles of the floor, and I stood, making my way over to the window. The view outside, lush and vibrant with greenery, was breathtaking in the soft morning light.

I slid the window open and stepped out onto the balcony, the breeze caressing my face as I took a deep breath, savoring the fresh air. I froze, a little surprised to find Anakin standing there already, his posture quiet and contemplative, his head slightly bowed, hands clasped behind his back. He was dressed simply in a light tunic, his Padawan braid a small yet distinct detail that made my smile twitch. His presence was comforting, familiar, even though we'd only just met.

"Sorry that I interrupted," I said, my voice soft, as I made my way toward him. He turned his head slightly, just enough to look at me from the corner of his eye. "It's alright," he said, his voice warm and gentle, carrying a faint smile I could almost hear. "You can stay. Your presence is soothing."

I smiled back, a little shy, and took my place beside him, feeling the delicate flutter of the nightgown in the breeze as I stood there. There was something oddly peaceful about this moment, like the world had slowed down just for us. The quiet was pleasant, and for a moment, I simply let the silence linger, enjoying the connection we shared, even if unspoken.

"Are you nervous about the meeting?" he asked after a moment, his eyes distant as they drifted toward the lake below. His question hung in the air like a challenge, but I was ready. I turned my gaze to him, meeting his with a soft smile. "Hmm, no. I've faced councils before—it's something I have to do, after all."

The thought of councils, the squabbling of gods and deities—Ra, Anubis, Hermes—was a quiet amusement in the back of my mind. Their endless arguments were nothing compared to what I faced now. The universe had its way of bringing me where I needed to be, and this planet, this galaxy, was no different.

Anakin turned to face me fully, his brow furrowing as his voice softened. "You seem to know that there's a danger coming for us, yet I can't see it in my visions," he said, his words tinged with a quiet concern. "Did you have a nightmare this night?"

His question made me pause, and I felt a shift in the atmosphere between us. I tilted my head slightly, studying him as he spoke. I had already sensed it—the unease in his presence, the burden weighing on him—but I didn't say anything at first. Instead, I asked, "How could you tell?"

Anakin stiffened, his shoulders tight. He didn't answer, but his eyes flickered with something unspoken. A vulnerability that he hadn't quite let himself face. I smiled gently and reached out, taking his hand for just a moment, allowing the connection between us to grow, even if just a little.

"I hear very well," I said softly, "and you were murmuring in your sleep."

Anakin's face flushed at my words, and I could see the heat rising in his cheeks. But I didn't pull away. Instead, I offered him a small, reassuring smile. "It's alright to have nightmares, Anakin. We all have them, even gods and goddesses."

His breath hitched, a quiet exhale of emotion escaping him. He shook his head, his voice barely above a whisper. "I saw my mother," he said, his tone rough with raw emotion. "I saw her as clearly as I see you now. She's suffering, Nyx. She's in pain... They're killing her!"

I felt a pang in my heart at his words, the desperation in his voice stirring something deep within me. I gently squeezed his hand, offering him the comfort of my touch. "I know you want to save her," I said, my voice steady but full of understanding. "Padme and I will follow you, Anakin. Trust us."

Anakin smiled softly, his features softening, and for a moment, I saw the weight of his burdens lift just a little. "I know I can trust you, Nyx."

Before I could say anything more, he leaned in closer, the warmth of his breath brushing against my skin, his lips so near to mine that I could feel the magnetic pull between us. But just as quickly, the moment was broken. Padme appeared in the doorway, her voice a gentle interruption. "I'm sorry to disturb," she said, looking at us with a touch of hesitation. I couldn't help but smile, a little embarrassed, but grateful for her timing.

Anakin and I pulled away, our faces flushing. I turned to Padme, my expression softening. "It's alright, dear. What is it?" I asked, my voice calm and welcoming.

"There's a transmission from Obi-Wan," Padme said, her eyes flicking to Anakin. The urgency in her voice was clear, and Anakin let out a sigh.

"Well, might as well take it," he said with a resigned shrug, and we moved inside, leaving the quiet of the balcony behind. As Anakin went to take the transmission, Padme turned to me, her hand finding mine in the quiet space between us.

"Nyx, I want to talk to you," she said, her voice earnest and serious.

I nodded, letting her lead me away from Anakin's hearing, my heart fluttering in my chest. When we were far enough, Padme stopped and turned to me, her gaze locking onto mine.

"You can't fall in love with him," she said, her voice soft but firm. Her words hit me like a sudden shock, and I tilted my head, slightly confused. "Why? And you mean Anakin?"

Padme nodded, her gaze unwavering. "They have rules, those Jedi, Nyx. I don't want your heart getting broken if you're found out dating him," she said, squeezing my hand in her own. "Please, you just came to this world. I know you don't know the customs of the Jedi or anyone else here, but trust me, you don't want to get tangled up with them."

Her concern was genuine, and I could feel the weight of her words. The caution in her tone was something I hadn't expected, but it was kind nonetheless. I smiled softly, appreciating her friendship. "I understand, Padme. But love... love isn't something you can control."

She gave me a small, knowing smile, but I could see the worry still lingering in her eyes. She was trying to protect me, to shield me from the complexities of this world and the heartache that could follow.

"Just be careful," she said quietly, "for both your sakes."