Shadow Desires

Chapter 4

The next day, it was lunchtime again, and I found myself in the mass hall, hoping for a quiet break. I grabbed my tray and started to make my way towards an empty table when I saw Kylo Ren already seated there.

He looked up, his gaze locking onto me, and gestured for me to come over.

My heart sank a little, but I knew I couldn't avoid him.

I walked over and sat down across from him, trying to keep my expression neutral. He wasted no time, leaning forward, his mask casting an ominous shadow over the table.

"I observed your training session yesterday," he said, his voice distorted by his helmet.

"You seem to think you can lead these troopers effectively."

I met his gaze, keeping my voice steady.

"Yes, I do. The troopers responded well, and they are beginning to respect me."

Kylo Ren scoffed, a sound that echoed through the mass hall.

"Respect? Do you think respect alone will keep them alive in battle? These troopers need fear. They need to know the consequences of failure."

I clenched my jaw, trying not to let his words get under my skin.

"Fear has its place, but so does loyalty. If they trust me, they will fight harder, not just because they're afraid, but because they believe in the mission and their leader."

Kylo leaned back slightly, his gaze never wavering.

"You speak as if you understand what it takes to be a leader, but you are new to this role. Don't presume to know more than those who have been here longer."

I felt a surge of frustration but forced myself to remain calm.

"I may be new, but I know that leadership is more than instilling fear. It's about creating unity, about showing strength and guiding others through it. The troopers need to see that their leaders are willing to fight alongside them, not just command from the shadows."

For a moment, there was silence between us. The tension was palpable, and I could feel the eyes of others in the mass hall turning towards us.

Kylo Ren's mask tilted slightly, as if he were studying me, reassessing.

"We shall see," he finally said, his voice softer but no less intense.

"The next mission will be the true test. If you fail, there won't be second chances."

I nodded, my expression hardening. "I understand, Kylo Ren. I won't fail."

He stood abruptly, the chair scraping against the floor. Without another word, he turned and left the mass hall, his cloak billowing behind him. I exhaled, feeling the tension slowly leave my body. I could still feel the eyes of some officers on me, but I refused to look up. I had to prove myself, not just to Kylo Ren, but to everyone here. I had made it this far, and I wasn't about to back down now.