Chapter Eight: Inan

Prince Inan reels as King Saran reveals that Princess Amari fled Lagos with an ancient scroll capable of restoring magic. Inan doubts Amari’s involvement but recognizes real fear in his father. Saran recounts his crusade to sever the gods’ bond with the maji, claiming he once destroyed the source of their power.

Pressed, Saran explains the Raid: though magic was cut off, surviving maji had to be eliminated to prevent resurgence; divîner children were spared because they had not yet manifested power. He brands magic a mortal threat and identifies the scroll as the key to its return.

Inan fears being ordered to kill Amari, but Saran allows Amari to live if she is captured before her treason is known. Admiral Kaea reports a lead: a divîner from Ilorin, Zélie Adebola, sold a rare fish linked to the escape.

Seizing the chance to prove himself, Inan volunteers to go with Kaea, proposing a small force to recover the scroll and bring Amari back. Saran agrees, demanding secrecy and absolute resolve.

As Inan departs, Saran issues a final order: once the mission is complete, Inan must burn Ilorin to the ground, hardening the stakes and testing Inan’s loyalty against his conscience.