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ARUNA INHALED sharply, trying to calm herself as the dark clouds in the sky above roiled. She knew Anakin could feel her unease, but as always, he was choosing to ignore it. Ignoring her.
She sensed his approach before she saw him, his presence strong in the Force, yet clouded with uncertainty.
"You should be resting," Anakin's voice broke through her thoughts. His tone was casual, almost light, but she knew better. He always tried to act like things were fine, even when the weight of the galaxy was clearly pressing down on him.
Aruna didn't turn to face him. Instead, she let the silence linger between them, hoping he might actually take a moment to reflect on what had happened.
Of course, he didn't.
"You can't ignore this, Anakin." Her voice was low but firm. She heard him stop a few feet behind her.
"Ignore what?" he asked, feigning ignorance.
Aruna turned to face him, her eyes narrowing. "The vision. The darkness you saw. You can't just pretend it didn't happen."
Anakin crossed his arms, his jaw tightening. "It doesn't matter. The Son is trying to manipulate us. I'm not going to fall for his tricks."
Aruna stepped forward, her frustration bubbling to the surface. "You think I don't know that? But what if the vision is more than a trick? What if it's the Force showing you something real—something you need to confront?"
Anakin met her gaze, his expression hardening. "I don't have time to worry about 'what ifs,' Aruna. I know my path."
She scoffed, her arms crossing defensively. "Do you? Because from where I'm standing, it looks like you're walking blindly into something that could destroy you."
His eyes flashed with irritation. "I can handle it. I always do."
There it is, Aruna thought. The arrogance. The unshakable belief that he was untouchable, even in the face of overwhelming darkness.
"What if this is something you can't just 'handle'?" she shot back. "What if this prophecy is bigger than you, bigger than all of us?"
Anakin stepped closer, his voice lowering to a dangerous tone. "Are you saying you don't believe in me? That you think I'm not strong enough?"
Aruna held her ground, though her heart pounded in her chest. This was what she feared—the moment when her concern would feel like a lack of trust to him. "I'm saying I'm worried that your strength alone won't be enough to stop what's coming."
He shook his head, his frustration palpable. "You sound just like Obi-Wan. Always doubting, always questioning. I thought you understood."
Aruna clenched her fists at her sides. "I do understand! But understanding doesn't mean I'm going to stand by and watch you ignore the danger you're walking into."
