The Shadows Star: Book 2

40: Stay With Me

As she sped through the unforgiving desert night, her senses keenly attuned to the Force, she could feel Anakin's presence like a distant beacon.

The speeder engine roared in her ears, drowning out the eerie howling winds and the haunting cries of desert creatures. The rocky dunes and endless sands stretched out before her, a harsh and unforgiving landscape illuminated only by the faint light of the twin moons above.

The desert's desolation seemed to mirror the emotions swirling within her. She replayed their recent conversation in her mind, every unsaid word and nuance dissected with painful precision. She couldn't help but wonder if she could have done more. The uncertainty gnawed at her, but the resolve to find him and make things right burned brightly in her heart.

As the minutes turned into hours, her determination never wavered. She navigated the treacherous terrain with precision, guided not only by the Force but by an unwavering belief in the strength of her bond with Anakin. Each passing mile brought her closer to him, and she knew that she would do whatever it took to help him, to mend their connection, and to make him happy.

She finally saw his speeder in the distance near some sandstone pillars. Pulling up beside it, Anakin was nowhere to be found. Her eyes closed and she connected to the force completely, surrendering her mind to its pull. His force signature flickered in the distance, a light in the darkness. Her eyes flew open and she began running until she saw his form lying at the top of a dune.

Fearing for his safety, she quietly approached him, her gaze drawn to the Tusken camp below. Anakin's voice resonated in her mind, his tone thunderous with concern. "I asked you to stay back there. Why are you here?"

Her response was unwavering, her determination matching his own. "The same reason you left me behind. I won't let someone I love be in danger alone." His shoulders sagged in resignation, and she settled down beside him. "So, what's the plan?"

He turned to meet her gaze, his eyes filled with determination and care. "I've tracked her here. I can feel her in that tent," he pointed. "But there are guards everywhere..."

She studied the Tusken camp below, fear and anger coursing through her. She filtered through the minds around her and centered on one filled with pain. She immediately recognized the kind soul as Shmi. She had been a source of kindness and acceptance in her life, and feeling her suffering ignited a fiery rage within. "I'll take care of the guards. Go get your mother," she whispered.

Silently, they moved toward the tent. Anakin, hesitating for a moment, ignited his lightsaber and carefully cut an opening. Sombra took position at the front of the tent, stalking the guards like prey. With a gentle touch of the Force, she lulled their minds into a deep slumber.

As their bodies slumped, Anakin's panicked plea suddenly echoed in her mind. Without hesitation, she rushed inside the tent. The sight that met her eyes was chilling—the small form of a woman, beaten and bloodied, lay in Anakin's arms, her condition beyond recognition. His voice wavered as he sobbed, "I don't know what to do. She's dying!"

Shmi's eyes fluttered open briefly, and she gasped, "Ani? Is it really you?"

Anakin let the tears stream down his face, and whispered reassuringly, "I'm here, Mom. You're safe. Hang on. I'm going to get you out of here."

Sombra, her heart heavy with sorrow and determination, moved closer and wiped away some of the blood and sand from Shmi's face with her robe. "Anakin, I need you to listen carefully. She's fading fast. I think I can save her, but I need to focus. You have to keep watch." His eyes didn't leave his mother and he couldn't speak. Sombra felt as Shmi's light slowly faded and her panic grew. "Ani! Please listen!"