Chapter Sixty: Amari

Amari, giddy from dancing with Tzain, turns and sees Inan and Zélie locked in an intimate kiss. The sight drains Tzain’s joy; he stiffens with rage and storms away from the festival toward his tent. Amari follows as Tzain packs his ax, cloak, and supplies, declaring he’s done and leaving.

Outside the camp, Amari chases Tzain across the valley and begs him to slow down. Tzain erupts, saying he’s tired of paying for others’ mistakes and protecting Zélie when she throws caution aside. Amari argues that Inan’s intentions must be genuine if Zélie has changed her mind.

Tzain rejects this, insisting Zélie is being reckless and that Inan destroyed their home, causing deaths he cannot forgive. He says he can’t watch Zélie get herself killed and turns to leave. Amari, torn by emerging feelings for Tzain, pleads again but cannot sway him.

Before Tzain disappears into the darkness, horns blare. The festival drums fall silent as soldiers bearing the royal seal and snow leopanaires emerge. Amari recognizes her father’s men, signaling immediate peril for the camp and cutting short any chance to reconcile.