News from Zuwua

**Angro's POV**

The sound kept repeating, soft at first, then more distinct, echoing closer than I would have liked. I left the shelter cautiously, leaving Shaira inside. “Stay here,” I whispered, and she nodded, her eyes full of worry. We had to be prepared for the worst, but first, I needed to find out what was going on.

I walked silently, senses on high alert, moving through the shadows to avoid being seen. The night air was dense and humid. I moved carefully, using the darkness to my advantage, when a figure among the trees caught my attention. The moonlight barely illuminated the shape, but as I got closer, I recognized who it was.

“Zania,” I whispered, keeping my guard up. “What are you doing here?”

She emerged from the bushes, looking agitated and concerned. “Angro, I had to find you. There’s news from Zuwua… and it’s not good.” Her voice trembled slightly, as if what she had to say was more urgent than I had imagined.

“What happened?” I stepped closer, my eyes searching hers, trying to read something in her expression that might prepare me for what she was about to say.

Zania took a deep breath, as if trying to calm herself before speaking. “Amari is furious, Angro. The news that you went after Shaira has spread, and… although I can’t confirm it, it seems like Omawit suspects something. Amari may have told him something, or maybe he figured it out on his own. There are rumors in the village that he’s planning to do something about it.”

A sudden chill ran down my spine. The thought that Omawit might know the truth unsettled me more than I cared to admit. “What exactly does he know?”

“I’m not sure,” Zania replied, her eyes reflecting the same concern I felt. “But if Omawit discovers the truth, he won’t stand by and do nothing.”

The weight of her words hit me hard. I had to protect Shaira. There was no time to hesitate.

The cold intensified as Zania’s words sank in. The possibility that Omawit knew the truth was enough to jeopardize everything Shaira and I had tried to build. If he decided to act, he wouldn’t hold back.

“Did Amari tell him directly?” I asked, hoping for some sign that the danger wasn’t as imminent as Zania made it seem.

“I don’t know for sure,” she responded, her expression troubled. “But I’ve heard things… there are people in Zuwua saying that Amari let something slip during an argument with her father. Omawit has always been clever; if he suspects something, he won’t wait for proof to act.”

“Damn it,” I muttered, turning away. As much as I wanted to believe that Amari would keep silent, I knew that fury and humiliation could make anyone betray a secret, especially one as dangerous as this.

“Angro,” Zania said, stepping closer to me. “I know you didn’t want to hurt her, but the situation is out of control. Omawit could already be rallying some of his men to come after you.”

“I know,” I replied, clenching my jaw. “That’s why we can’t stay here much longer.” It wasn’t just about protecting Shaira; if Omawit managed to uncover her true identity, the consequences for her would be devastating. She would be considered not just a traitor but a spy who had deceived the opranchi.

Zania nodded, though her concern didn’t fade. “I came to warn you because… because I think it’s the only way I can help. I don’t want you to end up in Omawit’s hands. Angro, he’s willing to do anything to restore his honor.”

“Thank you, Zania,” I said, feeling gratitude mixed with the urgency of the situation. “What you’ve done for us means more than you can imagine.”

She shook her head. “I just want you to take care of yourself. And Shaira. Don’t underestimate what might happen.”

A deep feeling of helplessness overcame me for a moment. I had always been a warrior, someone capable of facing danger with fists or sword, but this enemy was different. If Omawit decided to make his move, he would do so in the shadows, without giving us a chance to anticipate his steps.

“I’m going back to Shaira,” I said, determination settling in my voice. “We need to move quickly and come up with a plan. If you find out anything else, let me know. We’ll meet at the usual place.”

Zania nodded and gave me one last worried look before disappearing into the night. I stood there for a few moments, feeling the weight of what I had just learned, and then returned to the shelter.

Inside, Shaira was waiting, her face reflecting the anxiety she had shown when I left. I approached quickly and took her hands. “It’s Zania. She brings bad news from Zuwua,” I said bluntly.

Her eyes widened with concern, and her voice came out in a whisper. “What happened?”

“Amari knows,” I replied, feeling the tension in my chest. “She knows I went after you and that I don’t plan to go back to her. And it seems Omawit might be aware too, or at least suspect something. If it’s true, he’s probably already planning something.”

Shaira’s lips pressed into a thin line, and I saw a flash of anger in her eyes. “She couldn’t keep it to herself,” she said, her voice trembling. “Amari had to make sure everyone knew. And now he…”

I squeezed her hands tighter, wanting to instill calm in her even though I was losing mine. “We won’t let him catch us, Shaira. But we have to be quick. Zania thinks Omawit may already be organizing a hunt. We can’t stay here another day.”