An Unexpected Awakening (II)

**Shaira's POV**

The atmosphere grew even denser. The tension between Angro and Omawit was palpable, like a storm about to erupt at any moment. The opranchi warriors moved cautiously, adjusting their positions around us. Every one of their movements seemed synchronized, as if they were waiting for a signal to launch their attack.

"Are you really willing to betray your own people for her?" Omawit advanced towards Angro, his face showing barely contained fury. "She is not one of us. She’s an eteri, an enemy. And you, Angro, have let yourself be deceived by her lies."

Angro held his ground, staring directly into Omawit's eyes. "I am not the one who has betrayed our people, Omawit," he replied, his voice filled with anger. "You are, by letting yourself be consumed by hatred. Shaira is not our enemy. All she wants is to survive, just like us."

The mention of my name seemed to enrage Omawit even more. "Silence!" he shouted, taking another step toward Angro. "I will not allow her to continue poisoning your mind. If you don't step aside, you will be considered a traitor, and there will be no place for you in Zuwua."

Before Omawit could continue, one of his men tried to advance towards me, but Angro reacted immediately, striking him down forcefully. The movement was the trigger everyone seemed to be waiting for. In an instant, the calm shattered and chaos erupted. The warriors rushed at us, and Angro and I had to fight back-to-back to keep ourselves safe.

I fought with all my strength, using the few memories of my military training that had returned to me. I dodged blows and disarmed my opponents with quick, precise movements, while Angro faced two or three warriors at a time. Adrenaline coursed through my veins, and every attack I repelled bought us a little more time to think of a way to escape.

Omawit forced his way through his men, wielding his weapon skillfully and advancing directly towards Angro. "I'll give you one last chance, Angro!" he shouted, launching an attack with surprising speed. "Step away from her and prove to me that you haven’t lost your honor. I’ll help make sure my father doesn’t condemn you to death for your betrayal."

Angro blocked the strike with his own weapon, struggling against Omawit’s strength. "I don’t have to prove anything to you," he replied, pushing him back. "My loyalty doesn’t depend on your threats. You can't control me anymore, Omawit."

The clash between the two was fierce, and every blow echoed through the clearing. The determination on Angro's face contrasted with Omawit's uncontrollable fury, who seemed willing to do whatever it took to capture me. I knew that if we didn’t find a way to escape soon, we would not only lose this battle but also our lives.

The chaos surrounding us was deafening. The opranchi warriors fought with relentless fury, and Angro and I defended ourselves with all our strength, trying to buy every second. The air was filled with shouts and the metallic sound of clashing weapons. While Angro continued his fierce struggle with Omawit, I kept fighting off the warriors who closed in. Fatigue was beginning to take its toll, but I couldn’t give up.

The situation was desperate, and we knew there was only one way out: escape. Angro managed to push Omawit back with a powerful blow, creating a brief distance between them. With a quick movement, he turned to me and shouted, "Shaira, run!"

Without a second thought, I dashed into the thick of the jungle. I could feel Omawit's furious gaze on me, but Angro kept him occupied, blocking his path while I darted between the trees. My breathing was ragged, and fear tightened my chest, but I couldn’t afford to stop. I knew that if I wanted to survive, I had to keep going.

Angro quickly caught up to me, his face covered in sweat and dirt. "This way," he said urgently, grabbing my hand and leading me down a barely visible path. We ran together, jumping over roots and dodging branches, with the sounds of the battle still echoing behind us. The shouts of the opranchi warriors mixed with the sound of our hurried footsteps.