Chapter Fifty-Six: Zélie

At sunset, Zélie returns from isolating herself on the settlement’s outskirts. Amari intercepts her, dressing and preparing her for the evening celebration, insisting Zélie must look like the leader the divîners need. Zélie, wracked with guilt over injuring Tzain and shaken by Kwame’s uncontrolled flames, resists sharing the scroll.

As Amari styles her hair, she probes Zélie about Inan, noting his transformed loyalty and the way he looks at Zélie. Zélie admits Inan protected them and chose not to betray her, believing he now follows his better nature. Their tense honesty turns tender when Tzain enters, pauses at Zélie’s appearance, and admits she looks like their mother, then withdraws, leaving Zélie aching.

Pressed to explain her hesitation, Zélie confesses her fear: without rules or leaders, awakening magic could unleash deadly chaos. She imagines worst-case manifestations and doubts her own control, citing Kwame’s inferno as proof of the risk. Amari listens, then decides to show rather than argue.

Amari leads Zélie into the vibrant procession: lanterns, drums, food, and divîner performances honoring the orïshas. Zélie notices Inan awestruck by her presence but looks away, unwilling to hurt Tzain further. As performers embody Yemọja, Oya, and others, the community’s joy and Yoruba songs flood Zélie with memories and hope. Hand in hand, Amari urges Zélie not to let fear steal their magic or their future.