With Snoke having a hold of his mind, it wasn't easy keeping the truth from him. But it wasn't impossible. Snoke knew when he lied, yet Kylo didn't need to lie. The pain of losing her was all too real. After what he had done to her, he was sure she would hate him forever. It felt like someone had ripped a hole in his chest.

And he felt guilty. Maybe he should have told her everything. But he knew Athena never would have left him willingly. As long as she was dead officially, she was safe. His plan still felt terribly wrong. But his punishments seemed fit, as he would continue to suffer.

"How is your wound?" Snoke asked, without any real concern in his voice.

"It's nothing," Kylo responded. The voice modulator hid his emotions well, deepening his tone.

"The mighty Kylo Ren, beaten by a girl who has never hold a saber in a life. Look at you. You're no Vader. You're just a boy in a helmet."

"I gave you everything. I killed my own father. I destroyed the countess."

Not a lie. He had made the sacrifice Snoke had asked of him.

Snoke growled angrily. "And now you're torn to the bone!"

Kylo's lips trembled with anger. It was never enough. The pain he had endured… why did he feel more miserable than ever in his entire live? Why wasn't he feeling a rush of power or relief?

"You shouldn't have formed such an attachment to her in the first place! I warned you!" the Supreme Commander sneered.

Kylo looked down in defeat.
"She's no longer a problem. I made sure of that."

Not a lie. There were enough witnesses to confirm it. Desperation was the only thing filling his heart now. "Find the scavenger or you'll be the next who dies," Snoke commanded. Kylo Ren nodded.

As he soon was, he was alone in the elevator, he let out his rage and grief, taking his helmet and crushing it into the wall again and again until it was broken, as broken as himself.

He had destroyed his family, murdered his own father. The look in those violet eyes, of defeat and regret, it haunted him. And then the same in Han's eyes, his own father's eyes. Kylo felt sick. The crush of the metal ringed in his ears. Perhaps her and his mother were united in their hate of him now, a hate that was justified, one that he deserved.

OoOoO

She had spent days and nights in the medical quarters, not talking to anyone. Her body was still recovering from the stab wound. The hours went by without Athena noticing anyone around her. Nina, Leia, Trixi, the Lieutenant came over, checking on her, then leaving. Leia and Nina talked to her, but Athena didn't respond. Something inside her was broken, and nothing would be able to fix it. Or at least Athena had no intention to fix anything. She only intendent to lay there, in the Resistance's base, waiting.

She didn't care anymore. Kylo had chosen to kill her. Or maybe she had chosen to die. It didn't matter. Athena had known since the start that it would all end badly for her.

But then, there was the fact that she was pregnant. Athena's mind couldn't progress the idea. With everything going on, birth control maybe slipped her mind more than once. But how could she have been so careless? A Force wielder with a stomach condition? No, the signs had been there all along. Did Kylo know? Did he want the child dead? Was it possible that he tried to save her by sending her to his mother? But if it had been his plan all along, why didn't he tell her? Why almost kill her? Maybe he never loved her in the first place. Maybe it had been the dream of a naïve little girl, just like Snoke said.

The hours went by without anything changing. Athena was left to her thoughts.

Then, something – someone – crushed into her room.

"Countess?" a high-pitched voice sounded through Athena's daydreaming. Rey. Another person Athena had absolutely no desire to see.

But something made her move around anyways. She pushed herself from the hard bed to sit. Athena didn't even know what it felt like anymore.

"Hmm?" she growled.

Rey stared at her, her big hazel eyes observing the woman on the bed with unease. Athena spotted the lightsaber in her hand.

"You're looking… different."

Athena could only imagine how she looked like. Skinny, pale, and unwashed.

"You know what happened." Rey's words pierced through the silence, immediately causing Athena a headache. Even though Athena didn't encourage her to continue, Rey started to talk.

"He killed him. Han. Ren killed him and then we destroyed Starkiller and I fought with him… He could be dead, I think. I'm not sure. But I wounded him badly."

The girl's eyes sparkled with tears.

Athena cleared her throat. "He's not dead."

"How do you know?" Rey inquired.

"I know."

Rey took a deep breath, stepping forward into the room. "You helped me escape. Thank you. I told the others about it."

Athena stared at her. Why did the girl thank her?

"I am the one who brought you there in the first place," Athena reminded her.

Rey pressed her lips together, fumbling nervously with her hands. Athena attempted to stand up, her legs still weak. Rey jumped at the sudden movement, grabbing her lightsaber within seconds, and getting into a position of attack.

The countess led out a loud sigh. "Now you finally fear me. That's cute."

Ashamed, Rey let down her lightsaber. "A reflex. I know you won't hurt me. I've seen it in your eyes back on the ship. You've changed," she whispered. "I need your help."

"My help?" Athena asked, walking to the sink, and letting cold water run down, splashing it into her face. "I can't help you," she said, looking up to see her own reflection in the mirror. Hollowed out cheeks, reddened eyes and cracked lips looked back at her. And she had to get rid of that ugly nightgown she was wearing.

"You can save us all. When I invaded Ben Solo's mind… I felt it. He loves you."

Athena had thought nothing could hurt her more than what she had endured the past days. But apparently, she was wrong. Rey continued talking quickly, not letting Athena any chance to react.

"He cares for you. You can lure him back to the light, as you have changed, too. Maybe if I bring you to him…"

"Love is not part of the light side. Love is selfish. Your wrong if you think whatever there could have been between me and him could draw him away from the Dark Side, my dear."

"You're wrong. Or maybe, you're right, but it doesn't matter. Come with me, Athena. I know where Luke Skywalker is. We can train together. You can figure out what you truly want. And if you're ready, you can help me find Ben."

"Ben?" Athena echoed.

"Ben. I know he's somewhere in Kylo Ren. I know it," Rey insisted, her eyes filled with hope.

"No, he's not. Stop pretending that Kylo has some sort of split personality. Ben Solo and Kylo Ren are the same person. He's accountable for his actions, no matter what you call him," Athena corrected her harshly.

"That's why I need you. You know him."

"I am not yours to use, nor will I be used to save or change a man who is perfectly capable at making his own decisions. You're strong, Rey. If someone can kill him, it's you," Athena hissed, turning her back at Rey to signal her the conversation was over.

But something in her steered. Rey was strong enough to kill Kylo. And maybe that was the only way to end it all. Kill Kylo Ren.

I realize this chapter is a bit depressing. But there will be more action again, I promise! Thank you for still being faithful readers! You're really amazing!