|| 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟏𝟐, 𝟐𝟎𝟏𝟎||

~ A MONTH LATER ~

I lay curled up in my wolf form outside the distinctive oval-shaped Senate Building, my eyes fixed on the bustling hub of political activity within. It was the place where senators, including Padmé, spent their days, their voices echoing through the halls as they debated and voted on matters of galactic importance. Today, Padmé's party had not emerged victorious, and I found myself contemplating the intricacies of politics and the weight of their decisions

I detected a subtle exchange of glances between Padmé and Senator Organa, a silent communication that spoke volumes. "Come on, then," Padmé said, her voice laced with a mixture of resignation and determination. I accompanied her to her quarters, where a group of senators had gathered, their voices creating a hum of conversation. I remained in the background, my presence blending into the shadows as I longed for the company of my master and friends. My claws tapped softly on the floor, the sound echoing through the room as the senators continued their discussions.

Then, my keen sense of smell detected something amiss. I shot to my feet, my wolf form coiled and ready to spring. With a swift motion, I knocked the glass from Senator Organa's hand, sending it crashing to the floor. "Don't drink that," I growled, my fur bristling, my eyes fixed on the Rodian female who had offered him the drink. "You dare to poison your senator?" I barked, my voice echoing through the room.

The Rodian female whimpered, her eyes wide with fear. "P-please, I do not know what you are talking about, Master Jedi," she stammered, her back pressed against the wall as I advanced towards her. "Sure you don't, eh?" I snarled, my fangs bared, my claws inches from her throat. In that moment, I was tempted to end her life, but Padmé's hand stayed my action. "Whoa, easy, big girl, easy," she said, her hand gently patting my chest, her touch a soothing balm. "You need to calm down. I'm sure Lolo hasn't poisoned my uncle or tried anything else."

I glared at Padmé, the red flames of my eyes burning with intensity. "You need to take a breather," she advised, her voice calm but firm. I sneered, my anger simmering just beneath the surface. "You're just as stupid as the rest of these mortals," I snapped, my voice dripping with contempt. With a swift motion, I brushed past her, my fur brushing against her legs as I stormed out of the room, uncaring of the senators and other high-ranking members of the Senate that I bumped into. In that moment, their opinions meant nothing to me.

Left alone in her chambers, Padmé shook her head, a mixture of concern and determination playing across her features. "I have to tell Anakin about this," she said to herself, her hand reaching for her comlink. She pressed the activation button, and Anakin's voice came through, sounding weary, as if her calls had become a familiar occurrence. "Padmé, what is it now?" he asked, his tone conveying a hint of exasperation.

"Hey, don't use that tone with me, Ani," Padmé replied, her voice steady. "It's Nyx again. She's acting weird. She almost killed one of my friends." There was a moment of silence as Anakin processed her words. "I'm sure she didn't mean it that way," he said, his voice softening. "She's a different type of race, you know, strong with the Force. If she reacted that way, it was serious."

Padmé released a weary sigh, her eyes downcast. "Fine," she conceded, "but talk to her, please. I cannot find her, and my friends do not want her here after what happened. They're terrified." The comlink fell silent as Anakin acknowledged her request. Padmé walked back to the comm room, her steps heavy with concern. She stopped short upon seeing her friends gathered around Uncle Ono, their faces etched with worry. "Ono?" she asked, her hand reaching out to touch his forehead. "What happened to him?" she directed her question at Senator Organa, who sighed heavily. "His heart stopped," he said, his voice grim. "I think he was poisoned, just as Master Nyx said." Across the room, Lolo stood, her hands wringing anxiously. "Is he all right?" she asked, her voice laced with worry.

"He will be if we get him to a doctor," Senator Mon Mothma said, her voice steady. Laying a hand on Padmé's shoulder, she added, "Call someone now." Padmé nodded, her eyes never leaving Uncle Ono's still form. She activated her comlink and summoned Nyx, who soon arrived, her imposing figure filling the doorway. "Mortals," Nyx muttered, her red eyes narrowing as she assessed the situation. With a swift motion, she leaned down and grabbed Senator Farr by the scruff of his neck, lifting him effortlessly onto her shoulders. Without another word, she strode out of the room, her footsteps echoing in the corridor.

Nyx brought Senator Farr to the medical center, located just downstairs from the Senate level. Kix, the resident medic, looked up as Nyx entered, his eyes widening at the sight of the limp Rodian draped over her shoulders. "Oh, Nyx, you're here. Is that Senator Farr?" he asked, his voice laced with concern as he took the senator from Nyx's shoulders and began tending to him. "Yes, it is," Nyx replied, her voice grim. "Someone poisoned him. Treat him while I find out who's responsible," she said, her tone brooking no argument. Kix nodded, his eyes flicking between the senator and Nyx, before turning back to his task with efficient haste.

I ascended back to the Senate level, where Padmé Amidala was being consoled by her handmaidens. "You come with me," I said firmly, standing in the doorway. But I halted as a Kaminoan delegate limped her way into the room. "Such a pity that poor old Onaconda Farr had to pass away now, when the war funding is still being debated," she croaked, her voice dripping with arrogance. I glared at her and motioned her away with a wave of my hand, then turned to lead my friends away from the chamber.

"I suspect the Senate Guard will take over the investigation," I said to Padmé, and she looked at me with concern. "But I want to know who killed Onaconda Farr," she insisted. I sighed and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, guiding her away from the other senators to a more secluded spot in the corridor. "Padmé, my friend, you must trust me on this. The killer is among you, and until she believes she is safe, we cannot make a move. You must be patient."

She nodded, her eyes filled with determination. "Will the Jedi be involved in the investigation?" she asked. I shook my head. "The Jedi Council has its hands full with the war efforts, but I will do everything in my power to uncover the truth. Take this comlink," I said, handing her a small device. "If you discover anything, no matter how insignificant it may seem, contact me. I will be there, regardless of what the Council or the Senate Guard says."

She smiled at me and hugged me in gratitude. I stiffened at the gesture but gently patted her back. "Thank you, Nyx. You're a true friend," she said, stepping back. I shook my head as she walked away. No, Padmé, I thought to myself. I'm not your friend. If only you knew what I plan to do to the killer once I find her.