The Shadows Star: Book 2

33: Lies

They made their way towards the cozy parlor, the flickering light of the fireplace casting warm, dancing shadows across the room. Sombra gracefully poured the remainder of the wine into their glasses while Anakin skillfully arranged logs in the hearth, soon coaxing a vibrant flame to life. They settled on opposite sides of the plush couch, and she continued their game, "Okay truth.... Who is your favorite of the masters, besides Obi?"

"Other than Obi-Wan? I think Yoda was my favorite. He doesn't show it too often, but he's pretty fun. I know I can go to him if I need guidance," Anakin says with a smile. "What about you?"

"I think my favorite of the Masters is Quinlan," Sombra shared after a contemplative pause, her eyes fixed on the mesmerizing flames.

"Master Vos? You've met him?" Anakin couldn't help but exclaim, genuine shock etched across his face. "I heard he's a troublemaker and has no respect for rules... at least that's what Obi-Wan says."

Her laughter bubbled up at his outburst, a musical sound that filled the room. She shrugged and took a breath, "When I first arrived at the temple, I fit in pretty quickly, the training was similar to what I grew up with. But, the truth of my father's identity began to spread, and masters no longer let their padawans near." Her voice trembled with unshed tears. "They thought I was dangerous and didn't even give me a chance. That's why Plo and I are so close, he took me as his own and even gave me his name so they would all know he accepted me."

Anakin scooted closer, a soft and sympathetic smile gracing his features. With gentle fingers, he wiped away a stray tear that glistened in her eye. "I never knew, Sombra. I'm sorry."

"When I was 12, Plo was sent on a mission I wasn't allowed to be on. No Master would take me, and I was too old to join a crèche. I felt so alone," she confessed, tears streaming freely down her cheeks. "It's the only time I ever considered leaving the Jedi. But then Quinlan returned from a mission and stepped up, took me under his wing without a second thought."

As she continued, her voice resonated with gratitude. "I suppose Obi is right; he's a maverick who likes to shake things up. He took me in and assured me that he didn't fear or hate me for my past. He believed that if I worked hard and proved myself, everyone else would come to respect me too."

Anakin's eyes, filled with understanding, never left her face, his heart heavy with the weight of her experiences. He could sense the depth of her emotions, and as she bared her soul, his admiration for her grew even stronger.

"Well, if it helps," he said, his hands gently holding hers, "I respect you. You're strong and brave. You're intelligent and kind. You're not afraid of showing emotions, and you're exactly the type of Jedi we need in the Order."

Her heart swelled with warmth at his words. Sombra's voice was soft but filled with emotion as she replied, "Thank you, it means more to me than you can imagine."

The intensity of his gaze sent shivers down her spine, and she felt herself drawn closer to him as if some unseen force was pulling them together. The room seemed to shrink around them, their connection deepening with each passing moment.

In that tender moment, they sat together, hands intertwined, their hearts beating in unison. It was a moment suspended in time, where words were no longer necessary, and the understanding between them spoke volumes.

The space between them began to close, neither one fully aware that they gravitated towards each other.

"Anakin," she whispers.

"Sombra..." he leans in.

Her hand caresses his cheek, tracing his lips, but she shakes her head softly, "We can't."