The Shadows Star: Book 2

29: Fireworks

Sombra led Anakin through the Lake Retreat, pointing out various rooms and features along the way. As they reached the end of a corridor, she gestured to the door on the right.

"Well this is your room, Anakin," she said, opening the door to reveal a cozy and well-furnished space. At one end of the room was a bed larger and more plush than he had ever slept in. On the other, were open archways leading out to a large balcony, the breeze billowing the delicate curtains and the sound of distant waterfalls roaring.

"Like Padmé so kindly arranged, my room is next to yours," she points out a door on the wall, "That connects to my room so, if you need anything let me know. We also share the balcony, the sunrise out there is the best one in the galaxy."

Anakin stepped out, taking in the warm evening sun on his skin and the chittering birds flying overhead. "It's perfect, Sombra. Thank you."

She smiled warmly. "No problem," She steps out next to him and looks out at the view. Despite herself, she doesn't want the day to end just yet and struggles to find a good reason to stay. "Um, I know it's been a long journey, and you must be tired. But if you're up for it, I'd love to take a walk around the retreat with you. The gardens are especially beautiful this time of year."

"Yes!" His heart leaped at the idea and he scolded himself. "I– I mean, I'm not too tired, and a walk sounds lovely. Lead the way."

Her smile broadened, her eyes glistening with delight. She extended her hand, and Anakin instinctively grasped it, their fingers interlocking.

Together, they traversed the winding corridors and explored various rooms within the Lake Retreat. She proudly showcased her favorite spots – the rooftop vantage point, the discreet wine stash hidden in the pantry, and the enchanting hanging gardens.

Their journey culminated on a balcony at the rear of the house, offering a panoramic view of the tranquil lake below. Between them, they shared blossom wine and let themselves fully enjoy the evening.

As they stood on the balcony, Anakin turned his affectionate gaze toward Sombra and admired her completely at ease. He wanted to know everything about her."So, Som, what was it like the last time you were here?"

She reminisced, her voice carrying the soft cadence of nostalgia, "Mmm, it was three years ago. Padmé was adored by her people... But not everyone was pleased with the appointment of a new queen. Plo Koon stayed with Queen Jamilla, and I came here with Maé and Typho for privacy. We were all young and had very different mindsets. Padme was as stubborn as ever, I wanted to have some fun, but Ty was so uptight. We would argue about everything until one day we were just friends."

She giggled and hopped up onto the stone railing. "See that island over there? We used to swim to it every day."

She turned to reach for the bottle, taking a sip, all the while aware of his intense gaze. "We'd lie on the sand, letting the sun dry us, and try to identify the birds by their songs."

Anakin's mind was foggy from the wine but all he could focus on was how beautiful she looked in that blue dress, the way her tattoos decorated her skin. The sunset made her gold eyes shimmer brighter and he was so distracted he couldn't come up with anything clever. "I don't like sand. It's coarse and rough and irritating, and it gets everywhere."

He took the bottle from her, took a swig, and stepped closer, locking eyes with her. "But here, everything's soft and smooth..." His fingers, almost as if guided by some invisible force, traced the intricate lines of her tattoo up and down her arm.

Her breath hitched as she felt his delicate touch, and she replied with a whisper, "One time there was a very old man on the island. He used to craft glass from the sand – vases, and necklaces. They felt magical."

"Everything here is magical," Anakin murmured, his hand tipped her chin up to face him completely

"You could gaze into the glass and see the water, the way it rippled and flowed. It looked so real... yet it wasn't," her voice lowered to a hushed tone as she leaned in closer.

His hand moved to cradle her cheek, and she melted into his touch. "Sometimes, when you believe something to be real, it becomes real."

Her eyes fluttered as she succumbed to the allure of his deep cerulean gaze, an ocean drawing her willingly under. "I used to think that if you peered too deeply into the glass, you would lose yourself."

"I think it's true..." Anakin's voice carried a gentle tenderness. Without hesitation, he closed the distance between them, their lips meeting in a sweet, intimate kiss. She responded eagerly, their connection igniting a vibrant fireworks display of joy within her mind. A smile played on her lips as her heart soared, and he wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her closer. Her hands found solace in his hair, savoring the sweet taste of wine on his lips.

"Miss Sombra! We have arrived!"

She jumped back with a gasp, panic replacing the momentary bliss as the droid's voice shattered their scene. She swiftly descended from the railing, and a wave of sobering realization washed over her. "I shouldn't have done that. I'm so sorry."

Anakin's expression fell, and he looked down at his feet. "Oh... I'm sorry too. When I'm around you, my mind isn't my own."

She took a step as if to say something, but the droid's voice interrupted, "Young miss? Where are you?"
The voice echoed from inside, prompting her to step away and depart. "I'm coming C-1!"

Left alone on the balcony, Anakin found himself reevaluating his life choices. "You idiot! You kissed her? Now she's uncomfortable!" He scolded himself, burying his face in his hands. "What were you thinking? 'I don't like sand'... Obi-Wan would kill me."

He listened as Sombra retreated with her droid, and after half an hour of self-recrimination, Anakin decided to retire to his bedroom. For a fleeting moment, he contemplated knocking on their adjoining door, but he lacked the courage, opting instead for another restless night.