[HAWI]
"What the fuck just happened Hawi? Why did you go all nuts like that? Who attacked you? Who did what? Tell me, who do I need to go after?" Mbali ran when she got to the tent where Hawi and Rukiya had been.
When Hawi had portaled out earlier, Mbali knew it was just a show so people wouldn't follow them to the tent. She had so much anger and if anyone followed her there she would have unintentionally killed them.
Mbali didn't understand where the sudden anger had come from, so she waited for Hawi to answer.
Rukiya was sitting in silence, as she lay her head on Hawi's lap, like her comfort zone.
She was worried for Hawi, but then since they came in here, Hawi hadn't said a word. It was almost like she was in another universe thinking, talking, and trying to make things work on her own like she always did.
Rukiya occasionally heard growls, but she didn't move because she needed to be here with Hawi. It was the only thing that was keeping her sane regardless of everything that had happened and was happening.
"You need to say something. Everyone is worried for you. What triggered the storm outside? Why did you do that? Come on Hawi, tell me something. The warriors are here for you and if they are scared of you, then they won't be focused on the war.
"Tell me," Mbali said softly and Hawi just turned to look at Mbali.
Her eyes were red from anger and pain.
Her hair which had started to turn red earlier was now completely white even though it looked like she had experienced the worst of the worst. She was helpless despite being so powerful and it broke her heart.
What was she supposed to make of this?
When she had accounted for traitors, she had considered everyone except Razia, because she assumed that Razia may have had an unspoken spite for Hawi but she loved Rukiya wholeheartedly. Funny how that turned out for her.
It was unsettling and it angered her very much. Perhaps she really needed to attack a brother right?
"Alright I'll be back soon," Hawi said to Mbali before turning to her Ruru, a woman she was so madly in love with.
"I'm sorry, Ruru. I know I have said that a hundred times in the past hour, but I really am. Whatever happens... Please know that I did it for you, I will do it for you and I am doing it for you. Just you and you alone, Ruru.
"I hate traitors... and with Jer openly declaring that he wants to kill you, I hope you understand that I don't take lightly to threats on my beloved. I don't care who it is that poses a threat to you, I will ruin them.
"But for now, I need to find Malika and think, because there are things she has to do. I will be back soon, my love. And until then, please listen to Mbali. She means well for you, baby," Hawi said as she gently pulled Rukiya off her lap and sat her upright.
Rukiya had so many questions but even she was smart enough to know that Hawi wouldn't be giving her any answers soon. So, she didn't bother.
She just watched in silence as her mate left the tent, and left her in the hands of Mbali, who looked between Rukiya and Hawi and sighed. She knew that there were things Hawi had to do, but even then, there was a distinct wish that Hawi would let her know.
But then again, in their relationship, Rukiya had learned that some questions were better left unanswered. If Hawi wanted to give her the answers, then she would get them, and if Hawi didn't want to, then there was no point in Rukiya even trying to push.
"Be safe please," Rukiya whispered in the hope that Hawi would hear her.
"I will," Hawi responded softly and reassuringly. She knew her mate and she hoped that all would be alright.
'Make sure you keep an eye on Razia Greyson. If she comes a little too close to Rukiya, kill her and ask questions later,' Hawi mind linked Mbali, who stared at Rukiya with wide eyes.
"Well, shit," was all Mbali could manage out as she tried to prove that Razia was the traitor.