Legacy of Orïsha, #1
Children of Blood and Bone
by Tomi Adeyemi
Contents
Chapter Thirty-Five: Inan
Overview
Inan, reeling from Kaea’s death and suppressing his magic, tracks Zélie to Ibeji using her sea-salt scent. He finds only traces—blood and lionaire fur—and violently interrogates a villager. The chapter deepens Inan’s internal conflict and hardens his resolve to destroy magic, escalating the pursuit.
Summary
Inan rides alone through the desert after Kaea’s death, starving, dehydrated, and consumed by guilt. He recalls sending a message home, expecting his father to dispatch guards, while hiding that the “monster” they hunt is himself. He fights constant tremors as he suppresses his awakening magic and fixates on Kaea’s dying condemnation.
Haunted by memories of Kaea once urging him to embrace strength, Inan twists that counsel into a mission to “kill magic.” Reaching Ibeji amid drunken celebration, he hears cheers for new heroes and feels further alienated from his people and station.
Inan catches the distinct sea-salt scent that marks Zélie’s magic and follows it into alleyways. He breaks into huts, sword drawn, driven by the need to end magic to reclaim his life and crown.
Inside an empty ahéré, Inan finds bloodstained linens and shed lionaire fur—proof Zélie’s group was there but escaped. Desperate and enraged, he seizes a villager at swordpoint, cutting him and demanding Zélie’s location, his shame and self-loathing feeding his brutality.
Who Appears
- InanPrince narrator; suppresses budding magic, mourns Kaea, tracks Zélie to Ibeji, and violently interrogates a villager.
- KaeaDead mentor and captain; her memory haunts Inan, fueling his shame and fixation on strength.
- ZélieTarget of Inan’s hunt; identified by a sea-salt scent, recently vacated the bloodstained hut.
- King SaranInan’s father; expected to send guards after receiving Inan’s message, unaware Inan is the ‘monster.’
- Unnamed villagerLocal man seized and cut by Inan as he demands Zélie’s location.