Legacy of Orïsha, #1
Children of Blood and Bone
by Tomi Adeyemi
Contents
Chapter Fifty-Five: Zélie
Overview
Zélie and Inan grow dangerously close in the dreamscape, revealing his guilt and desire to reform Orïsha. Tzain interrupts and condemns their bond, sparking a brutal argument. Zélie’s grief and rage trigger uncontrolled death magic that wounds Tzain, fracturing their trust and jeopardizing the fragile alliance.
Summary
In the dreamscape lake, Zélie wrestles with her growing attraction to Inan as he admits witnessing her memories and denounces his father’s crimes. Inan vows to right past wrongs and change Orïsha, and Zélie wavers between distrust and hope, wondering if the gods intend his role in restoring justice.
Drawn together, Zélie allows Inan to touch her, and they move toward a first kiss, breaking taboos that could endanger them both. Their intimacy signals a potential alliance grounded in shared pain and Inan’s resolve to stop the monarchy’s violence.
They are jolted back when Tzain yanks Inan from the dream and throws him down. After Inan withdraws, Tzain confronts Zélie, calling Inan the enemy and accusing Zélie of naivete and being manipulated. Zélie argues that winning the crown prince could secure safety for the maji, but Tzain rejects the idea and lashes out, invoking their parents’ deaths.
The fight escalates until Tzain’s cruel words break Zélie’s control. Her death magic surges without an incantation, lancing Tzain’s shoulder like a shadow spear. Horrified, Zélie apologizes as Tzain, wounded and disillusioned, walks past her without forgiveness, leaving her collapsed and devastated.
Who Appears
- ZélieTorn between distrust and hope for Inan; nearly kisses him; loses control and accidentally wounds Tzain.
- TzainProtective brother; interrupts Zélie and Inan; argues bitterly; is struck in the shoulder by Zélie’s magic.
- InanCrown prince burdened by guilt; seeks to reform Orïsha; shares intimacy with Zélie before retreating.