𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚. 𝐬𝐤𝐲𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐞𝐫

22

THE DOOR to the training room slid open suddenly, and Aruna turned to see Ahsoka stepping in, her face unusually solemn. Her heart skipped a beat at the sight, and she immediately closed the distance between them. "Ahsoka, what is it? Did something happen?"

Ahsoka hesitated, glancing away for a moment before meeting Aruna's gaze. "It's... Anakin. He's back from the mission, but he was injured during the fight. They brought him straight to the medbay."

Aruna's stomach twisted painfully. She fought to keep her expression neutral, forcing herself to stay calm as she nodded. "I see. Thank you for letting me know, Ahsoka."

Ahsoka looked at her for a moment, her sharp gaze catching the tension in Aruna's posture, but she didn't push. She offered a small, understanding nod before stepping back. "I'll let you know if I hear anything else."

As soon as Ahsoka left the room, Aruna felt the carefully maintained facade crack. Her heart pounded in her chest, and she pressed a hand to her mouth, taking a shaky breath. He's okay, she told herself firmly. He has to be okay.

Without wasting another second, she hurried out of the training room and made her way through the labyrinthine halls of the Jedi Temple. She could feel her pulse in her ears, each step feeling like it took an eternity. By the time she reached the medbay, her hands were trembling, but she forced herself to take another deep breath before stepping inside.

She scanned the room quickly, spotting Anakin lying on one of the beds. His face was pale, a deep cut across his cheek, and his left arm was wrapped in bandages. He seemed to be resting, but even from across the room, Aruna could see the strain in his features.

The sight of him like that hit her like a punch to the gut, but she swallowed down the panic that clawed at her throat, forcing herself to keep it together as she approached his bedside.

A medical droid turned its head as she approached. "He has suffered a minor fracture and some bruising, but he will recover with rest," it said, its mechanical voice matter-of-fact.

Aruna nodded, barely hearing the words. All she could focus on was Anakin, the rise and fall of his chest, the faint lines of pain etched into his face. She took a slow breath and reached out, hesitating for just a moment before gently brushing her fingers against his uninjured hand.

His eyelids fluttered open at her touch, and for a moment, he seemed disoriented. Then his gaze focused on her, and a faint smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. "Hey... didn't think you'd come all the way down here to see me."

Aruna tried to muster a stern expression, but it wavered as she took in the sight of him. "You scared me, Skywalker," she said, her voice rougher than she'd intended. "When Ahsoka told me you were hurt, I—" She stopped herself, swallowing hard. "You should be more careful."

Anakin chuckled softly, but the sound quickly turned into a wince as he shifted on the bed. "You know me. I like to keep things interesting."

Aruna's lips twitched, but she couldn't quite manage a smile. "Well, maybe don't get yourself half-killed next time just for a little excitement."

He reached up with his good hand to gently brush a stray lock of hair behind her ear. His touch was light, but it sent a shiver through her. "I'm fine, Aruna. It's just a few scratches."

She narrowed her eyes at him, her fingers tightening around his hand. "It doesn't look like 'just a few scratches' to me." Her voice softened as she added, "You really scared me, you know?"

Anakin's expression grew more serious, and he squeezed her hand gently. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you worry. I just... I had to make sure everyone got out safely."