The Shadows Star: Book 2

4: Tangled

As Sombra and Salvador shared their tender moment, a sudden interruption jolted them. The sound of a speeder pulling up caught their attention. Her heart raced as she saw Plo Koon jump out, his concerned expression quickly catching her eye. Instinctively, she jumped back from Salvador, feeling guilt and a sense of being caught. It wasn't that she had never been close to boys before, in fact she had to, especially when undercover. But, she had never cared for any of them like she did for Salva, and that made the blood rush to her cheeks.

Plo Koon's gaze shifted between the two, reflecting curiosity and worry. He approached Sombra, his voice gentle yet admonishing. "Pup, I've been trying to reach you all night. You are usually back by this time. Are you alright?"

Sombra glanced down, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment and guilt. "I'm sorry, master. I left my comm in my room. I should have let you know."

Plo Koon sighed softly, his concern evident. He gently patted her head, a sign of his affection. "Just promise me you'll keep me updated next time. You're not alone in this galaxy, pup." He then turned his attention to Salvador, giving him a once-over as if assessing the situation. "And you are?"

Salvador's demeanor was a mix of respect and slight nervousness as he extended a hand. "I'm Salvador, an old friend of Sombra's. We met in Batuu. I gave her the ring on her necklace. I have the matching one, see?"

Plo Koon's gaze shifted between them, his expression softening as he seemed to sense the connection between them. He nodded, a small smile forming under his mask. "Well, Salvador, it's good to meet a friend. She's in capable hands, I see."

Sombra felt a mixture of relief and amusement. "Yes, Master. Salvador and I were just catching up."

Plo Koon's gaze held a twinkle of humor as he looked at Sombra. "I see. Well, Salvador, keep taking care of her. And Som, remember we leave in an hour."

With that, Plo Koon gave a nod and turned to leave. As the speeder pulled away, Salvador turned to Sombra, a playful grin on his lips. "Well, your master seems nice."

Sombra rolled her eyes playfully, a hint of affection in her voice. "Yeah, he's the best. Let's just say, he's got a knack for showing up at the most interesting times."

Salvador chuckled, his dimples making an appearance. "Well, I hope he didn't ruin our moment too much."

Sombra smiled, feeling a sense of contentment in Salvador's presence. "No, not at all. It's actually kind of nice to know he cares enough to come looking for me."

As they stood there, their hands found each other, fingers intertwining as they gazed out at the rising sun.

With a bittersweet feeling, Sombra and Salvador walked back to her speeder. Just as she was about to get in and depart, Salvador's arms encircled her, pulling her into a tender kiss. The sudden kiss took her by surprise, but it was a welcome one. "I won't be back for a while. I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if I left before doing that." His words warmed her heart, and she returned the kiss with equal affection. Breaking the kiss, Sombra looked up at Salvador with a soft smile. "I wouldn't have forgiven you either."

He smiled back at her, his gaze filled with a mixture of fondness and longing. "I'll be counting down the days until I can see you again."

As they parted, she couldn't help but feel a sense of emptiness already creeping in. She watched as he walked away, her heart yearning for the day they would reunite.

As she piloted back towards the Temple, a sharp pain suddenly pierced through her. It was a feeling she hadn't experienced since her connection with Anakin. Instantly, worry for him surged within her.

Focusing her mind, she tried to grasp the source of the pain. She felt a tangle of emotions, anguish, anger, and sadness. It was a tumultuous storm, and she realized how serious his emotions must be for her to feel the effects after so long. Her thoughts were consumed by her friend, her heart aching with the need to be there for him once more.

Anakin sat cross-legged on the grass, deep in meditation. He focused his connection to the Force beginning to stir and intensify. He felt the familiar currents of energy flowing around him, enveloping him in their embrace. It was the Force drawing him closer, urging him to explore.

His consciousness expanded, and his perception shifted abruptly. The world around him faded into the background, replaced by a different scene. He was observing from above, looking down upon the bustling cityscape of Coruscant. His gaze locked onto a young woman with striking golden eyes and curly hair, someone he recognized as Sombra. His heart skipped a beat at the sight of her, his connection with the Force growing stronger.

Anakin watched as Sombra walked with a confident stride, her laughter and smiles lighting up the scene. Beside her was a young man with scruffy black hair and dimples, a figure he didn't recognize. They shared playful glances and exchanged words.

His breath hitched as the boy pulled Sombra into an embrace, their bodies pressed close. The kiss that followed felt like a punch to his gut, igniting conflicting emotions. Anger, jealousy, and pain mingled together, twisting and churning within him. His gaze remained fixed, unable to tear himself away even as his emotions spiraled out of control.

His heart clenched further as he watched Sombra return the kiss. A pang of despair shot through him, the realization hitting him like a crashing wave: he had been replaced, forgotten, and left behind. It was overwhelming, threatening to consume him entirely.

His concentration wavered, his connection to the Force faltering. His meditation session with Obi-Wan shattered, leaving him gasping for breath and grappling with what was unleashed. He felt lost and adrift, the pain of his perceived loss cutting deep into his soul.

As he tried to regain his composure, the scene he had witnessed still lingered in his mind, haunting him. The bond between him and Sombra felt frayed and distant, and the ache in his heart was a stark reminder of the connection he had lost.