Rey looked herself up and down in the mirror. She had been given a black tunic to match her black pants, as well as a black cape that hung to the back of her thighs. She thought she looked ridiculous. She fidgeted with the front clasp of the cape. There was no way this was going to work. These people would see through it in a minute. She closed her eyes. It had to work. She had to live long enough to get back to her friends. But the only way that would happen was if she let the darkness in, if she allowed herself to tilt to the dark side. She couldn't do that. Unless… Unless she allowed it in just enough to protect herself. She would wear it like this cape, but not let it into her heart. It was dangerous, but it was the only way. The door behind her opened and she spun around, expecting Kylo. But it wasn't. Two black clad figures walked in and stood in the middle of the room. One was a woman with short dark hair, the other was a blonde man. She looked between the two of them.

"Yes?"

The woman spoke. "Supreme leader Ren has sent us to ensure you look the part for your formal address."

Rey motioned to her outfit. "I already have my clothes."

The man spoke now, and his voice carried a hint of annoyance and sarcasm. "Yes, we see that. We are here to do your hair."

Rey stared at him. "Oh, right. Ok."

She let them lead her to a chair and mirror. Her hair hung loosely around her shoulders. They both began to pull their finger through her hair, working her hair into a top bun and braid. She watched their faces as they did. Every few second one of their eyes would flick to her face. The mans mouth was twisted into a smug smile, as though he knew something about her that she didn't know herself. She knew she shouldn't but she couldn't help herself. She pressed into his mind.

"This silly little girl… He's doing an excellent job of playing her… He'll take what he wants and toss her aside… He expects us to believe her power even comes close to matching his… We don't need her… Useless…"

They had just about finished up by now, and Rey felt her face burning with anger. Well, if she was supposed to be dark now… She looked up at him and made eye contact.

"What about me makes you think I'm useless?"

They both stopped, the girl looking confused, but the mans face paled. The girl saw that Rey was staring at the man and seemed to understand what was going on. The man cleared his throat.

"I mean no disrespect, Lady Rey-"

"Yes, you did." She stood and turned to face them. She let the darkness that normally hung around the edges creep further into her. They seemed to sense it as well, both backing up. The woman took his arm.

"We will just go."

"No." Rey's voice was sharper than intended. She used the force to slide the door shut. She needed to gain respect from these people if she was to be here for any amount of time. Fear was the fastest way to that.

"You think I'm a silly useless girl that is being used by Kylo Ren. Allow me to show you how you are mistaken."

She gripped his throat with her mind and his hand flew to his neck. She lifted him upwards so that only his toes touched the ground. The woman stood at attention beside him, her eyes wide with fear.

"Please, my Lady, he meant nothing by it."

"Yes, he did. I will not have my authority questioned by you or anyone else. I have come to stand as Kylo Ren's equal."

"Yes, of course you are! Please, let him go!"

Rey did, and he fell back to his feet, gasping for air. The woman grabbed his arm and held him up. Rey turned away from them.

"If you don't want a repeat of this, make sure everyone else knows not to think such foolish things."

"Yes, of course," the woman said, bowing. "May we take our leave?"

Rey nodded. "Go."

They rushed out of the room and Rey was left alone again. She looked into the mirror and frowned. That shouldn't have felt so… good. She was alone for several more minutes before the door opened once again. Kylo walked in and stood behind her with his hands folded behind his back. She watched him in the mirror. His eyes moved over her body, roaming from her hair to her black boots. The smallest of smiles pulled at his lips.

"You look nice."

She looked away from him and back at herself. "Thank you. It's a bit too much black, don't you think?"

He shook his head. "No, I don't think so."

Rey sighed. "Of course not."

Hiss eyes were now trained on her face, with a small frown forming a crease between his eyebrows. "You changed something."

"Well, yeah, the hair-"

"No, not that. Something inside you. You let some of the darkness in." He didn't say it in an accusatory tone, he sounded impressed and even pleased. That made it worse.

She frowned. "You told me I should."

"Yes, I did. You're already doing excellent."

He walked forward, and she turned to face him. He was quite close, closer than she wanted. When he spoke his voice was low.

"Rey, I want you to be happy here."

She stared into his eyes. "Can anyone truly be happy if they are being forced to be someone they're not."

He shook his head. "When will you figure out that I'm not forcing the darkness into you? It's already there. It is you."

She looked away from his face. She didn't want him to be right. She wanted to scream that there was no darkness inside her, that she only felt the light. But that was a lie, and he would know that. He reached up and took her face in his hands.

"It's ok. I won't rush you or force you to do anything you don't want to. You'll be amazing."

She closed her eyes. The feeling of his hands on her face was reassuring. She could faintly feel his breath on her forehead, and it calmed her. She wished his presence didn't feel so much like… home. It made it difficult to push him away. But she did. She took a few steps back and pushed his hands from her face. She could sense his disappointment, but he masked it well. He straightened up and offered his arm.

"If you are ready, we should be going."

She took a steadying breath and stepped forward. She rested her hand against the crook in his elbow, giving him a reassuring smile. He didn't smile back, but his eyes softened. They walked to the door, and Rey prepared herself to enter the Sarlacc pit.