**Chapter 494**
**New Wounds, Old Scars**
**Scene 1**
**Coruscant Space – Gray Wolf Hangar Bay**
**Dagon POV**
The Temple shuttle docked with a soft *thud* against the *Gray Wolf's* hangar bay. I stood at the front of the welcoming party — myself, Shin, Erictia, and the rest of the girls a respectful distance behind. The air felt heavy with anticipation and a touch of unease.
The shuttle ramp lowered. Two Temple Guards in formal robes stepped out first, their expressions neutral but their posture rigid. Between them walked Aayla Secura.
She looked… broken.
Her usual graceful confidence was gone. Her blue skin seemed duller, her lekku hung limply, and her eyes — once bright and sharp — were red-rimmed and distant. She moved like a shadow of herself, shoulders slumped, gaze fixed on the deck plating.
One of the Temple Guards approached me, holding Aayla's lightsaber in both hands. "General Marek. The Council has assigned Knight Secura to your command indefinitely. You are to provide a full report on her progress every standard week. Her… recovery is a priority."
I took the lightsaber, feeling its weight. "Understood."
The guards gave Aayla one last look — a mix of pity and caution — before turning and boarding the shuttle without another word. The ramp closed, and the shuttle detached, heading back toward Coruscant.
Aayla stood there, silent.
I stepped closer, keeping my voice gentle. "Aayla… are you alright?"
She didn't answer at first. Then, without warning, she collapsed forward into my arms, burying her face against my chest as quiet sobs shook her body.
*Uh oh.*
I wrapped my arms around her — one flesh, one black-armored — holding her steady. "Hey… it's okay. You're safe now."
The girls moved closer, their concern clear through the bond. Shin placed a gentle hand on Aayla's back. Ahsoka looked torn between sympathy and protectiveness.
I lifted Aayla carefully into a bridal carry. She was lighter than she looked, fragile in a way that made something protective stir deep inside me. "Come on. Let's get you to your quarters."
As I carried her down the corridor, her head rested against my shoulder, tears still falling silently.
**Scene 2**
It took nearly an hour.
Aayla cried in my arms for most of it — deep, wrenching sobs that spoke of betrayal, violation, and shattered trust. The clone of Quinlan Vos had used her, manipulated her, nearly destroyed everything she believed in. I sent wave after wave of calming, healing energy through the Force, trying to soothe the raw wounds in her spirit.
Eventually, exhaustion won. She fell asleep curled against me on the bed in her new quarters, her breathing finally even.
I gently extricated myself and stepped out into the corridor, where the girls were waiting. Their expressions ranged from concern to something sharper.
"Okay… that went better than I expected," I said quietly, rubbing the back of my neck.
Kayla crossed her arms, her pink skin flushing with a mix of emotions. "That's what you said when she was first assigned to us."
I sighed. "Girls, I can't do anything to her in that state. She's hurting. Badly. The last thing she needs right now is more complications."
Shin stepped forward, placing a hand on my chest. "We know. But… we also know you. And we know how these things tend to go with you."
Ahsoka smirked despite herself. "Yeah. You have a type."
I chuckled tiredly. "Look, I'm not making any moves. She needs time. Healing. Support. Not… whatever this is."
Zule tilted her head. "But you *are* going to help her, right? Like you helped us?"
"Of course," I said. "That's why she's here."
Flare leaned against the wall. "Just… be careful. She's been through a lot. We don't want to add to it."
Stella nodded quietly. "We trust you."
I looked at all of them — my family, my strength — and felt a surge of gratitude. "Thank you. Now, let's get back to the bridge. We have a long road ahead."
**Scene 3**
**Bridge – Gray Wolf**
I stood at the central holotable as the *Gray Wolf* prepared to jump. The girls had dispersed to their stations or quarters, giving me a moment to think.
"General," Marshal commander Blam reported, "all ships are ready. Course plotted for Lantilles."
I nodded. "Jump when ready."
As the stars stretched into hyperspace, I allowed myself a small, tired smile.
Aayla was safe. The girls were safe. The Temple had survived.
But the war was far from over.
And something told me the hardest battles were still ahead.