Kylo lay awake in his bed aboard the Finalizer, trying to process the night's events. Nothing had gone as planned. Rey was supposed to have come back with him, she should have been lying in bed beside him. She should have been in his arms. Instead she was back at the rebel base and he was alone again. He'd had such grand plans. He was going to bring her over to the dark side, introduce her to his master. Train her in the ways of the force, make her stronger. Rule the galaxy with her by his side. But when he saw her, everything changed. All his plans flew from his head; his knees grew weak. He was completely helpless in her presence. What was this power she held over him?
Unable to lay in bed a moment longer, Kylo jumped up and began to pace. He knew he'd never be able to forget about Rey, he knew he'd never be able to bring her over to the dark the way his master wanted. Returning to the rebels wasn't an option, there was no way his mother would take him back a second time. Leia was a forgiving woman but even she had her limits. Besides, he'd hated life with the resistance. So what could he do? He couldn't go on living this way, he couldn't stand all this pain. Kylo walked over to his window and stared out at the stars. He didn't belong anywhere, never had, never would. Rey was the closest he'd ever come to having a home and of course, he'd fucked that up. Just as well, he certainly didn't deserve her. Kylo sank to the floor with a sigh, burying his face in his hands. Suddenly a voice rang out in his head, penetrating the darkness.
"Kylo Ren," Snoke hissed. "I know what you did tonight. I know you went to see the girl."
"I can explain master," Kylo began. "I wanted to..."
"Spare me," Snoke interrupted. "I know what happened. You were weak."
"I had intended to bring her back with me," Kylo muttered.
"And you were unsuccessful," the supreme leader said flatly.
"Things didn't go as planned," Kylo admitted.
"You can't control yourself around the girl, she weakens you."
"It won't happen again," Kylo insisted.
"I'm sure it won't," Snoke whispered. "I've treated you well Kylo Ren, haven't I?"
"Yes, master."
"Yes I have. I've been merciful. I gave you a home when no one wanted you. I took you back even after you betrayed me. I'm forgiving your little…indiscretion with the scavenger girl, just this once. Next time, I won't be quite so forgiving.
"Yes master." Kylo's voice shook. "I understand."
"Good, good. Now let's get down to business."
"Business?"
"Yes, business," Snoke said. "I have a new mission for you."
"What is it?" Kylo asked, relieved the conversation had turned away from Rey.
"We have word that the resistance is planning a raid on one of our outposts tomorrow night. I'm sending the majority of our troops to intercept them."
"You want me to go with them?" Kylo asked.
"No. You will lead a small force to their unguarded base. Destroy weapons, get rid of their supplies. Most importantly, kill as many personnel as you possibly can."
The mission, which would have once seemed so simple, filled Kylo with dread. Snke seemed to sense his reaction.
"Relax, Ren. I'm sure your scavenger will be going on the raid with her fellow pilots. If she dies tomorrow, it won't be by your hand." Snoke almost seemed amused, as though Kylo's concerns were funny. "You'll lead this raid for me, Kylo Ren. I know you won't disappoint me."
"I won't, master." Kylo hoped Snoke couldn't sense his fear. "I promise."
"Good night Ren." The supreme leader's voice disappeared, Kylo was alone once again. He lay back down on his bed, pulling the blanket over his head like a child afraid of the dark.