The Power to Save Her
Chapter 22
Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars.
Important Note: I will not follow comics/legends characters or concepts closely, if at all. My knowledge is strictly on the that of the movies and a more mainstream knowledge of Star Wars. Though I may reference events and things outside of the movies, I do not claim to know the material on a deeper level.
Leia sat quietly in the engineering bay again, wiping the moisture from her eyes. She felt so drained and confused. Though she'd known the truth about her relationship with Vader for a while, it was quite another thing to face him when he was apologizing and going out of his way to make amends. Luke had told her of course, of his deeds to save him, though she wasn't convinced. It'd been so much easier to keep him at a distance with the knowledge than to have him there full of regrets.
Chewie was off in the next room tinkering with some of the electrical, while she lingered where she was. Though she knew she couldn't hide it forever, she knew that telling Han and Chewie everything would change the way they looked at her.
She heard footsteps on the metal grates of the floor and her eyes saw his shoes, though she didn't look up.
"Leia, what's going on?", came his soft voice, though it wasn't pushy. She looked up at him, trying to keep it in, though he clearly saw her distress, and approached her, putting his hands on her shoulders. "I'm sorry I shouldn't've asked."
"It's complicated.", she replied, seeing his sincerity but not wanting him to remain in the dark. "I don't know where to begin."
"You don't have to tell me.", Han remarked in an almost uncharacteristic humility. "I understand."
"Han… it's not that I don't want to tell you. It's just that it's all too new.", she replied, sighing when she saw the disappointment in his eyes. "I promise I will. I just need to be alone for a little while."
"You know I'm here for you. No matter what.", he replied, looking downtrodden but still helpful.
She gave him a broken smile and hugged him fiercely. He patted her on the back reassuringly and she had to find comfort in his attempts to console her. Then she drew back, looking up at him with a smile.
"I love you.", she said once more, and his face softened. "Nothing that's going on now changes that."
This seemed to be the right thing to say for she could see the relief in his eyes.
"I love you too.", he replied, something which she could tell took a great deal of courage.
"I know.", she said quietly, before leaning in and kissing him. She lingered for a minute before pulling away. He had a dazed look in his eyes, but he smiled, nonetheless.
Just then, Chewie came into the room and growled something at the smuggler.
"Alright, I'll get Goldenrod to check it out.", Han replied to the Wookiee. Chewie growled some reply and went back into the other room. At her questioning gaze he clarified. "Chewie needs help with the negative power coupling."
"I'll leave you to it.", Leia replied, going for the door. Han held her hand briefly, before drawing her close again to kiss her on the forehead.
"Feel better.", was all he said before going to find Threepio.
She felt a deep sense of appreciation for Han and turned away, exiting the room.
The sun had gone down, and the stars came into view. Anakin was alone, sitting on the edge of the settlement, feet dangling over the chasm. Back near the ships, he could hear the quiet way each of them ran, along with some whispered chatter. The past day had been spent and he was feeling the effects of it. So many revelations in such a short time was a lot for his children to take in and he needed to give them time. Luke he could tell had been more receptive of this knowledge, but he supposed it was due to the fact that he'd had more time to process this. Leia was another story. However, it gave him hope that she'd tasked him with something that could maybe earn her forgiveness.
Having so many living relatives, despite the fact that he'd almost ensured their destruction was a miracle. Though he had so many good things going for him, he couldn't ignore the uphill battle that was to come. The fight against the Emperor and the very idea that they could live a life beyond it. It seemed impossible, though Padmé believed it could happen. Though he could feel very little in the way of hope beyond this fight, he knew if he had to, he'd die for them to have that chance.
This decision would've been against his beliefs as a Sith, to seize power and never let it go, but as of late, he'd been seeing things very differently. Padmé had been the reason he'd changed, and he'd continue to do so. He numbly acknowledged the blaster wound that'd grazed his arm, though the pain was nothing compared to what happened to him on Mustafar. Having nightmares about what he'd done to her there was enough for him to try harder.
Though she wanted him to openly conspire with the Rebels, he didn't know if it was a wise choice. There were so many things that could go wrong. Quietly he shook himself. Instead of dwelling on this, he decided to contact Piett on the Executor. He looked down at the communicator in his hand, using it to do just that. Knowing he'd been gone for some time, and at the time, he and Piett had been treading some very dangerous waters, he was anxious to see how things were progressing. The Rebel spy was on board, and though he'd ordered the removal of the Emperor's spies the day prior, it was very likely that the influence of the Sith was still there. He opened up the channel directly to Piett, though it took several minutes for the channel to connect.
When it did, the nervous looking admiral came into view.
"Lord Vader.", he greeted though Anakin could hear the tension in his voice.
"What's wrong Piett?", he demanded, sensing something off.
"There's something of importance that you should know.", the admiral began immediately, his tone even. "The Emperor made contact a few hours ago."
"What did he want?", he demanded, a feeling of anger welling within him.
"He wanted you to know that he will summon you to Coruscant soon. Probably within the month.", replied Piett, his demeanor anxious.
"So, it has come to this, finally.", he replied, not at all surprised. Sidious was telling him his time was up, that it would be very soon before he publicly drew his intentions out. The Sith would more than likely kill him when he went to face him.
"What does this mean?", asked the admiral, having not been given the context of who Anakin Skywalker was.
"It means, admiral," he began numbly, closing his eyes. "That soon I will no longer be able to serve over you."
"Why?", Piett uttered, his brows furrowed.
"Because I did not leave the Executor for reconnaissance.", he began, finally telling the admiral why he and Padmé disappeared so suddenly. "I left to preserve the Emperor's greatest threat to his power. The Jedi, Luke Skywalker."
"I don't understand why this prevents you from leading.", argued Piett, and Anakin grew surprised by his sudden show of courage. The normally reserved man grew more determined. "You've already acted by dispelling his spies. Should doing this be any more dangerous?"
"Yes.", he answered quietly. "The Emperor knows that once I've done this, it won't be long before I come for him, and that is why I must leave you. The Executor, even should all men agree to fight against the Emperor, will not be able to stand against the entire fleet of the Empire."
"Men will fight for you.", Piett argued, not willing to let it go.
"Not if it means turning against everything, they ever believed in.", he disagreed just as heatedly. "And I need someone on the inside."
"I cannot remain here forever. The Emperor no longer trusts me.", Piett shook his head, seeming sure of this. "And there are men both for and against you here, but I guarantee that all will be against you should you step down."
"What do you suggest admiral?", he asked, slightly bemused by Piett's courage.
"Once we've dispelled the extreme loyalists, break away from the fleet.", the admiral suggested, and Anakin had to take a moment to respond.
"That is a bold move Piett.", he replied finally, already thinking of the multitude of consequences. "Are you capable of such open treachery?"
"I wasn't until I acknowledged the horrors of the Death Star.", he admitted, probably thinking to what Padmé had said to him. "I cannot support the Rebel cause, but neither can I stand with the Empire while this station exists."
Anakin didn't know whether to be amused or alarmed that his wife already had this much influence over his men, when an idea came to his mind. Initially he shrugged it off as ridiculous but then got to thinking a little harder. It was something different, secretive, and entirely unheard of. While he was silent, Piett seemed to grow uneasy. The admiral however kept silent until he spoke.
"I will think on this Piett, but I do believe you are right.", he replied and this time it was the admiral's turn to grow surprised. "The tables must be turned when we have the best advantage. I will return in a few days but be prepared for further instruction."
"What must I do?", Piett asked, some determination coming into his eyes.
"Clear a hanger, and keep it quiet.", was all he said, before the admiral nodded and the communications were cut.
Then Anakin sighed, not for the first time wondering if he was making the best decisions. Though he knew Padmé would support these choices as being moral, he had to wonder if this would be all for nothing. The Emperor was cunning, and ruthless. He could see through most lies set before him and be prepared with moves and countermoves before the enemy even attacked. His foresight was the reason he'd been able to enslave the galaxy and him, and Anakin wasn't sure he could outwit him. The thought was sobering, though he knew there was no going back now. The Emperor knew of his treachery back on Naboo and with the rescue of his son on Tatooine, he knew that his second-in-command had possibly recruited the only other trained Force sensitive to his side.
There was some shuffling behind him, but he didn't turn. He could feel the presence of his son already. His Force signature was bright and optimistic.
"Luke.", he greeted, with his back still turned to the Jedi.
"Father.", he greeted back, and Anakin felt that he'd never get used to that title. Luke explained his presence. "I felt your turmoil in the Force."
"I was conferring with the admiral.", Anakin replied, voice even despite his somber thoughts.
"I heard.", the boy replied, and Anakin realized that Luke had been hiding his presence.
"You've grown in your knowledge of the Force.", he replied, glancing to the boy. "It usually takes years to learn what you have in a short time."
"I've had help.", Luke replied, though Anakin could sense something elusive.
"From Obi-Wan.", he stated, and Luke nodded, though he had a distant expression. Though the boy was well-versed in the Force, he had much to learn about consistently hiding his thoughts. "And another surviving Jedi."
The boy looked down at his hands.
"I can't say.", he replied, burrowing the thought a minute too late.
"I will not demand answers from you Luke.", Anakin reassured, seeing the Jedi's face relax. "It's not my place."
There was more silence.
"Obi-Wan told me that you've turned from the dark side.", Luke began, staring off into the plains. "But I'd been taught that there was no coming back from it."
"So was I.", he admitted, puzzled by the change himself. Then head some distant voices. He turned to look and back near the Falcon, he saw Padmé walking next to her sister. "But your mother believed I could overcome it."
"When did you know?", Luke asked, watching him closely. Anakin briefly acknowledged how much he resembled him.
"I knew the moment the Emperor planned on taking you.", he admitted, looking anywhere but the boy. That day, though he'd never admit it, he'd been afraid. The thought of Sidious having his hands on Luke was disturbing. "It after Bespin was when I started reconsidering my loyalties, but I knew the moment he told me he was going after you."
"When she was injured, I noticed a change in you.", Luke acknowledged, though graciously omitted the part where it'd been his fault. Anakin also noted that Luke hadn't directly brought up the fact that he'd maimed him. "How is she alive today?"
"I've been asking myself that question Luke.", Anakin admitted turning to the boy. "The day I went to Naboo, was the day she quite suddenly alive. All I know is that the Force works in ways that I still can't understand."
"The Force brought her back?", Luke asked in wonderment. "I didn't know it was possible."
"I tried my own means of bringing her back over the years.", he admitted, thinking back to the construction of his castle on Mustafar. Then he furrowed his brows. "But anyone who tries to sell you that ability is lying to you. The dark side is not capable of bringing back the dead. It can only take."
"Is that the reason you fell?", Luke asked, turning his blue eyes to his father. "To bring her back from the dead?"
"Not entirely.", he admitted, pressing his fingernails into his palms. He looked away, ashamed. "I had visions that foretold her death and in my time of fear, Sidious tempted me with power to prevent her death. In the end, it was my fall that killed her. The dark side is parasitic."
"I will remember that.", Luke nodded though he went quiet. Then boy raised his head and stared up into the dark skies filled with stars. Then a smile came over his face. "I'm glad you've come back."
Anakin said nothing but felt the truth of his words.
"I knew there was good in you.", Luke continued, turning his face to his father. There was an incomprehensible openness to his face. Anakin looked down at his hands, not quite understanding.
"How could you know?", he asked quietly, feeling a strange warmth inside him.
"You didn't kill me on Bespin.", Luke answered easily, a knowing look on his face. "The Emperor no doubt wished me dead, but you asked me to join you."
"How do you know I wasn't just after your power?", Anakin demanded, but the boy smiled at him.
"Because you let me go.", he said in a matter of fact way. "You also did the same on Naboo and again on Tatooine. You've more than proven yourself."
"Your optimism goes beyond reason.", he answered dryly but it meant a lot to him. Luke chuckled quietly.
"I know, but I hope you can agree that it wasn't unfounded."
"Unfortunately, not everyone will see it your way.", Anakin answered with a sigh. He knew there were thousands of people he'd wronged all over the galaxy.
"My point of view isn't going to be accepted by everyone, but that doesn't matter.", Luke replied evenly, seeming sure of himself, almost at peace. "Holding true to each other is."
"Even then, I don't see it working.", he replied glancing back towards the Millennium Falcon. Leia was still angry with him, though he didn't blame her, and he never would.
"Give Leia time.", Luke replied his expression weary, but hopeful. "I know her well enough to see her being able to change."
Anakin nodded not saying anything, staring out on the horizon. The sound of the wind rustling the grass was all around them. He could hear the boy pace behind him before stopping.
"Father?", came Luke's voice again, and Anakin turned towards the boy once more, noticing that he had a determined look on his face. "I've thought about it, though I knew from the moment you said it. I do want to train with you."
"Good.", Anakin replied, nodding to the boy. Though he didn't show it, he felt relief at this. "If you wish to face the Emperor, then you must learn how to protect your mind and body."
"What's he like?", Luke asked, his voice not as calm as it once was.
"Vicious and cold.", he replied with no hesitation. He could see Sidious in his mind's eye. Gaze yellow and full of hate. "He knows my allegiance has changed, and will stop at nothing to maintain his power, even if it means killing you or me."
"Do you think he can be stopped?", Luke asked, looking fearful.
"He has to be.", was all he offered, though upon seeing the boy's apprehensive look continued. "Don't be afraid Luke. If I must, I will end him even at the expense of my own life. You don't have to fight him."
"I will not leave you.", he replied almost vehemently. Anakin could hear the resolve in his voice and felt a quiet resignation come over him. "I'm a Jedi, like my father before me."
"Then you've become a far better person than can I hope to be.", he replied, knowing how much blood he had on his hands. Though he needed Luke, he didn't want his son's death on his conscience either.
With this, they sat in silence, watching as a few lingering clouds dissipated from the crescent moon. There wasn't much to be said but there was an understanding between the two. So many years had come and gone, too many to make up for, but they could only linger on the here and now. Anakin took a deep breath in, feeling the night air whisper at his face and the dirt under his fingers. The night was peaceful on this planet, but as he well knew, peace wouldn't last forever.
Padmé walked with Sola around the ship, glancing over to Anakin who was sitting next to Luke near the abandoned settlement. After telling her sister who Anakin truly was, she'd gone quiet. The truth finally getting it to all make sense. Sola looked over at Anakin a deep expression of wariness, as well as concern on her face for her.
"I still can't wrap my head around this.", she admitted, unable to see how they were the same people.
"I couldn't either, all those years ago.", Padmé replied quietly, her eyes sad. "I didn't want to believe it."
"Padmé… is he dangerous to you? Are you safe?", Sola asked, putting a hand on her shoulder.
"I will not lie and say he's never been so in the past, but things are different now.", she replied, though Sola had a less than convinced expression. "If he was, I wouldn't be defending him now."
"I know, but Padmé, you're not the person to run away from danger.", she replied, with a pointed look. Padmé didn't deny this.
"And that fact remains true, but in this case, you have my word that he's a changed man.", Padmé replied almost pleadingly, glancing over to her husband. "He's saved the life of our children, even taking abuse from the Emperor to do it."
"You saw the Emperor?", Sola asked, her eyes going wide.
"Yes. He was on Naboo to take you, Ryoo, and Pooja.", she informed, feeling cold. Those eyes would haunt her forever. "But when he failed at that, he tried hunting down Luke."
"And he almost succeeded.", replied Sola her face pale. "Thank goodness Luke called for the Falcon in time, otherwise the Emperor would've had him in his grasp."
"If not for Anakin, Luke wouldn't have known to do so.", Padmé replied quietly though continued seeing the pensive look on her sister's face. With a sigh, she continued. "I know you don't trust him, neither did I up until that point. Force knows he's made so many mistakes."
"My trust is something he'll have to earn", began Sola with some trepidation. "But I am thankful for him bringing you back to us."
"It was the Force.", Padmé corrected though her sister shook her head. Sola looked quite adamant.
"I know it was it's power that brought you back, but do you think it's coincidence that it did so when he visited your grave?"
"I suppose not.", Padmé replied, having to smile at her sister's ability to see details like this.
"Clearly you two were always destined to be.", Sola smiled, despite her wariness of Anakin, for which Padmé was grateful. "And it's my gift to observe and assess it."
"You mean gossip about it?", replied Padmé dryly with a smile. Her sister laughed, and Padmé continued with a whimsical smile. "As you always have when it comes to my love life."
"I've missed you Padmé.", Sola replied fondly, wrapping an arm around her sister's shoulder.
"I missed you too.", she replied, continuing to walk with her.
Then she noticed Leia walk out into the fields.
Upon seeing that the communal area was occupied by her cousins, Leia decided upon leaving the Falcon to walk outside. The night air was cool and dry. She continued down the ramp and into the open field, away from the two forms by the pit. She didn't have to look very long to recognize Luke and… him. With her back to them, she walked towards the plains, feeling a little less overwhelmed with the openness of the fields.
Though she couldn't ignore the reality forever, she could suppress it for as long as necessary.
Behind her came footsteps crunching on the dry grass. She turned to face the visitor, only to see her mother following her out into the open. She didn't stop upon being spotted, but boldly came to stand by her, giving her a lovely smile. She said nothing, instead choosing to be there by her side.
"Beautiful night.", her mother remarked, clasping her hands together.
"Yes, quite.", was all Leia said, looking down at her hands, clenched slightly.
Finally, Leia could keep it in no longer.
"Why?", she asked, glancing back over to the outline of her biological father. Her mother didn't seem perturbed by this question and glanced over to the man she had questions about. Her eyebrows raised slightly, but that was the extent of her reaction.
"Why am I with him?", she asked, seeming to know what Leia was asking and the princess nodded. She only felt a little guilty by her lack of tact. Padmé continued, "Because he's changing for the better."
"He's done evil things.", Leia stated blatantly, though she said this quietly.
"I know.", her mother replied eyes going sad. Her shoulders sank gently. "And as much as he wishes it, they can't be undone."
"Then why?"
"As I told you, it's because I can see the change.", she replied firmly, though Leia only gave her a helpless expression. For Leia, it was hard to understand. Her mother, seeming to sense this, continued. "But I suppose it's because I can also separate Vader from the man I married."
"Were they so very different?", Leia asked, trying to comprehend her rationale.
"Well yes… and no.", her mother responded, trying to explain it in the best way possible. "When he was a boy, I knew him to be reckless, bold, and had a selfless heart. As he got older, his care for those around him started to become his goal, to the point where he felt responsible for another's death."
"He did?"
"Yes, so much so that the ends justified the means for that goal.", she replied, looking over to him sadly. "Though Vader had consumed much of his soul, there always seemed to be a part of him that still loved his family."
"You know what he did to Luke.", Leia defended, and she nodded.
"I do, and I did not offer him forgiveness for that.", she replied, thinking back to what he'd almost done. "I cannot stand in the place of those he wronged to offer forgiveness, but neither can I offer judgement. To do so when he clearly regrets it would be self-righteous and unfair."
"You don't judge him?", Leia asked, wondering at this ability.
"Oh, I most certainly do.", chuckled her mother. "But not beyond what is necessary."
There was silence where the two of them waited.
"I know this is so much to take in Leia, but please know, I don't expect anything of you.", Padmé replied, turning to catch the eyes of her daughter. "You're my daughter, and if you can not forgive him, I understand. I will always love you, no matter what."
Leia nodded, though she felt some stinging come to her eyes.
"I've always wanted to meet you.", Leia uttered, her voice quiet.
"The Force has reunited us.", smiled her mother, bringing a hand up to Leia's face. The princess drew a breath in, feeling warmth in her chest. "I remember when you were but a newborn. You've grown to be a beautiful and wise leader."
"My father, Bail Organa, taught me much of leading the Rebellion.", she whispered and to her delight, her mother smiled.
"Bail was a good friend and was forming an alliance even back before the Republic fell.", she replied, eyes going wistful. "I'm glad his goals were realized."
"The Rebel Alliance is always on the verge of toppling the Empire, but sometimes I wonder if it's possible."
"It is, and I will support you in every way I can.", her mother replied, voice even.
"Really? Even with him?", Leia asked glancing over her shoulder to the former Sith.
"I will do it with or without his support.", her mother replied defiantly, and at this Leia had to smile. "But he does want the Emperor to fall, and whether he agrees or not, he needs the Rebellion to do this. He needs you."
"I hope you're right, and that the Empire does fall.", Leia replied, trying to ignore the comment about her biological father.
"It will.", she replied, a determined expression in her eyes. "We have a plan to take down the Emperor once and for all."
"You do?", Leia asked, finally some hope sparkling in her eyes.
"Your father has intel on the Empire that he's agreed to share with the Rebellion.", she replied mind going back to the Executor. "In fact, we were on the verge of sending the Rebel spy back to you with that information when he heard Luke's call for help."
"What was it?", Leia asked, her gaze curious.
"That there's another Death Star.", Padmé informed and Leia's eyes went wide.
"He told you this?", she asked, beginning to have second thought about the man, not for the first time.
"Yes."
"Then we must get back to the Rebel Alliance as soon as possible.", Leia replied urgently.
"We cannot do so until we know when to attack the Emperor himself.", her mother interjected, though Leia felt impatient. "The moment he openly defies the Emperor is when we lose all tactical advantage."
"Does he plan on using his own fleet against him?", Leia asked, having to wonder at this turn.
"Something like that yes, but we haven't worked out the details.", her mother supplied. "That's where the Rebellion comes in."
"This is risky for the Rebel Alliance.", Leia uttered, shaking her head. "I don't know how they'd agree to do this for a man who's actively hunted down every last base."
"I have every confidence that we'll figure it out.", her mother supplied though she could see the uncertainty in her eyes. "We have to."
Luke walked up the ramp of the Falcon while his father returned to his own ship. Upon coming to the communal room, he found Leia waiting there, a cup of caf and a deep uncertainty on her face. She looked up at him and smiled, though she did so obligingly, and Luke could sense the lack of emotion behind it. He said nothing, knowing that she just needed time and went to get a cup of caf for himself. He sat across her in silence, trying to send her comfort through the Force.
She could sense this and smiled to herself.
Though much troubled them, they remained in silence as the other occupants of the ship slept. The peace was shattered however when a sleep rumpled smuggler waltzed into the room but froze upon seeing them.
"Can't sleep?", he asked, despite his own hair sticking up in all directions.
"Yes.", Leia replied, glancing over to Luke.
"I see.", Han said, but didn't press it, instead he sat next to them, a glass of some sort of dark alcohol in a glass.
"Things must be confusing today.", Luke remarked, and Han nodded, though surprisingly the smuggler didn't push it. The man just shrugged, much to Luke's surprise.
"This Skywalker fellow… any relation?", Han asked, trying to keep it casual and Luke glanced over to Leia.
"You didn't tell him?", he asked her, and she shook her head.
"I didn't think it was right, without asking you.", Leia replied, though she grew apologetic.
"Tell me what?", Han asked, looking between the two with growing wariness.
"Anakin Skywalker is my—our father.", Luke stated and watched the emotions register over Han's face. Mostly it consisted of confusion. Then he raised a finger pointed between the two of them.
"You mean you're—"
"Twins.", Leia supplied, nodded at his reaction. A hint of a smile came over her face. Han looked at Luke who also confirmed this.
"Well, that certainly explains a lot.", was all he said, though he didn't look all too torn up about the news. In fact, there was even some relief in his eyes.
"And Padmé Amidala is our mother.", Luke further supplied, and if possible, Han looked even more drawn aback. "There's a long story there, but it's true."
"Wait, wait, wait, so you're telling me that the Naberries are related to you too?", he asked, growing even more mixed up. When they didn't answer, he continued, "Is your entire family on this planet?"
"Practically.", Luke replied, feeling amusement come over him.
"Well, this is one unconventional family reunion.", was all he said before leaning back in his seat.
"That it is.", agreed Luke easily and even Leia was growing entertained by Han's casual remarks. Then he grew somewhat somber and glanced over to Leia significantly.
"There's something else?", Han asked, noticing the subtle expressions.
"Yes.", Leia said, her voice growing heavy. "This is something that must never leave this room."
"Okay?", Han said uncertainly, having already taken in so much information.
"Anakin Skywalker…", Luke began, having a hard time admitting this himself. "He's Darth Vader."
Needless to say, Han was even more mystified, his jaw going slack.
"I need some more of this.", was all he said before downing the drink in his hand.
A/N: Oh man, there was so much talking in this one wasn't there? Sorry if it seemed like there was a lot of exposition. I tried to keep it as entertaining as possible while staying true to the characters. Hopefully more action will come soon!
And sorry about not responding to your reviews! FanFiction isn't letting me see them as of yet, and I like to respond to them directly. Once they become available, I'll respond to them straightaway!
And I'm doing a little better! Still sick but definitely feeling more up to writing :)
Special shoutout to RyanSquad, ichigo urahara Shihoin, MMM73181, The God of Perverts, and Jeda31 for reviewing the last chapter! A big thank you to those who favorited and followed my story, as well as me as an author! Be let me know if you have any thoughts on this chapter, as I always love hearing from you, the readers! Thank you all so much for continuing to read and enjoy the work :)