The Shadows Star: Book 2

15: Confessions

In the dimly lit alley, the two discovered Obi-Wan poised above the subdued bounty hunter. Anakin and Sombra swiftly joined him, but their inquiries were met with obstinate resistance.

Obi-Wan, opting for diplomacy, posed the first question, his Jedi composure intact. "Do you know who it was you were trying to kill?"

The bounty hunter winced, clutching the space where her arm used to be. "The Senator from Naboo."

"And who hired you?" Obi-Wan pressed further.

Her response was a defiant glare. "It was just a job."

Sombra, seething with frustration from the night's events, demanded answers. "Who hired you? Tell us."

The hunter turned her piercing gaze towards Sombra, maintaining a stoic silence.

"Tell us now!" Sombra's voice echoed through the alley, causing the nearby wall to dent and cans to scatter. Obi-Wan, disapproving, shook his head at her outburst.

Witnessing the wall deform beside her head, the hunter relented. "Fine! It was a Bounty Hunter called..."

Abruptly, a dart pierced the hunter's throat, extinguishing her life instantly. Shock and anger flooded Sombra's eyes as she witnessed the abrupt end. The weight of the situation settled on her shoulders, frustration and sorrow coursing through her.

Fists clenched at her sides, Sombra turned away, the night's unexpected tragedies weighing heavily on her. First, Anakin and Maé had disregarded her feelings, then Anakin had treated her friend poorly, and now, the killer was dead with scant clues. She needed a moment to process the tumult of emotions. Walking away from the alley, she muttered, "The senator still needs protection. I will head back since I'm not needed here."

Taking a deep breath, she hailed a taxi, thoughts consumed by the events. The journey back to Padmé's apartment was accompanied by an uneasy sense, contemplation of the tangled web of danger and intrigue that seemed to follow them.

Meanwhile, Anakin and Obi-Wan grappled with the aftermath, their focus shifting from the pursuit to dealing with authorities. The night had taken a dark turn, and Sombra's absence weighed heavily on their minds.

At Padmé's home, Sombra received a teary-eyed embrace from the senator. The brief comfort, however, was interrupted by Padmé's underlying anger as she shook Sombra's shoulders. "What in the Force were you thinking? Jumping out of the window? Are all you Jedi insane? I've been worried sick that Anakin and Obi didn't reach you in time!"

Sombra, meeting Padmé's gaze, responded with a touch of sarcasm. "I'm sorry, your worshipfulness! I was only trying to save your life after YOU went behind MY back and ruined my plan! Isn't it frustrating when the people you love put themselves in unnecessary danger?"

Padmé's anger softened into remorse. "Som, this mission has been weighing on you. You're stressed and irritable. What happened?"

Sombra's expression softened as she grabbed Padmé's hand. "I'm sorry I've let this affect my emotions. We found the killer, but they were killed before we got anything out of them."

Concerned, Padmé continued, "Where are Obi-Wan and Anakin? Are they alright?"

"They're fine, but I'm not sure where they are. I assume they're dealing with the cleanup. Can we talk about something else?"

Padmé, perceptive as always, noticed turmoil in Sombra's eyes. Concern etched across her features as she leaned in.

"Sombra, what happened? You look upset, and not just about the mission."

Sombra sighed, frustration and confusion bubbling to the surface.

"It's Anakin. That boy is impossible!"

Padmé's brow furrowed; she placed a comforting hand on Sombra's arm.

"Did you fight? I thought you two were close."

Sombra hesitated, her mind racing for the right words.

"He's possessive, Padmé, to the point of suffocation. He acts like I owe him something just because we share some Force bond. It's maddening! I can't be myself around him without him losing his mind!"

Padmé's eyes widened in surprise; she leaned in, her voice a hushed whisper.

"Possessive? Sombra, are you saying that Anakin... has feelings for you? Can that even happen between Jedi?"

Sombra sighed deeply, her frustration evident.

"I don't know, Padmé. He didn't say it outright, but it shouldn't matter. He's jealous, and it's making everything so complicated. It's like he wants me to be the person he remembers from our childhood. But I've changed. We both have. Understanding him used to be as natural as taking a breath, but now even with the bond, his mind might as well be in a different language."

Padmé gave a sympathetic nod, her mind racing to make sense of the situation.

"Sombra, I think Anakin has been carrying these feelings for a long time, and maybe your mission together has intensified them. He's always been fiercely protective, but this is different."

Sombra leaned back, her confusion deepening.

"Protective, I get. But this... It's like he wants to control me. And that's not something I can accept, Padmé. I told him I'd give this one more chance before I walked away. I don't want to do that Maé; it hurt for months after we last separated. But I refuse to be treated like I'm helpless. I've worked too hard for that."

Padmé reached out to squeeze Sombra's hand, her voice filled with support.

"You're right, Som. Remember: you are a Jedi, my best friend, the daughter of a Sith Lord and Jedi Master. You are confident, unstoppable, fierce, and terrifying. You deserve respect and understanding. If he took the time to see you as you are, I know he would stop this childish behavior. You need to talk with Anakin and clear the air."

Sombra nodded, her resolve strengthening.

"You're right, Padmé. I'll talk to him, but this needs to be sorted out. I can't have our mission tainted by this tension."

With a comforting tone, she continued, "You're strong and self-assured, and your bond is strong, too. Don't forget to remind him of that. Love can be complicated, Sombra," she said gently.

Sombra's brows furrowed, and she was quick to deny, "No, Padmé, you don't understand," she protested. "Anakin and I are not in love. We could never be in love."

Padmé's smile remained knowing, a glimmer of understanding in her eyes. She placed a reassuring hand on Sombra's shoulder. "Hmm, well the advice works anyway, but remember, it comes when you least expect it," she said cryptically, leaving Sombra to contemplate her words.