Legacy of Orïsha, #1
Children of Blood and Bone
by Tomi Adeyemi
Contents
Chapter Twenty-Six: Inan
Overview
Inan returns to the dreamscape, clashes with Zélie, and witnesses her reshaping it, revealing she’s in Ibeji. Back in the temple, Kaea discovers Inan’s magic; his panicked attempt to silence her kills her. Wracked with guilt, Inan decides to conceal the death from Saran and hasten to Ibeji.
Summary
Inan enters the dreamscape determined to end magic and kill Zélie. He summons Zélie, and they trade accusations about the Raid and Saran’s brutality. When Zélie steps into the horizon, she unconsciously wields Inan’s magic, transforming the blank field into forests, cliffs, and a waterfall, thrilling in the freedom while Inan is shaken by her power.
As Zélie swims, Inan wrestles with memories of Amari and guilt over Ilorin. Zélie’s mention of exorbitant water prices leads Inan to deduce the group is in Ibeji. Before leaving, he asks about Amari; Zélie says Amari is scared and warns Inan he should be, too.
Inan wakes beneath Orí’s image, eager to act, but finds Kaea aiming a sword at him. She has seen signs of his magic. Terrified he’ll be exposed, Inan pleads loyalty and explains the infection isn’t permanent, yet Kaea moves to alert others.
Inan tackles Kaea to stop her, and his uncontrolled magic erupts, paralyzing her mind. As he struggles to release her, the power intensifies, causing Kaea agony until she collapses and dies, calling him “maggot.” Grief-stricken, Inan experiences fragments of Kaea’s memories, including her secret bond with Saran, and realizes the king loved her deeply.
Horrified by what he’s done and convinced Saran will never forgive this, Inan resolves to hide Kaea’s death and his magic. Fixated on ending the threat, he decides there is only one path forward: pursue Zélie’s group in Ibeji.
Who Appears
- InanCrown prince; enters Zélie’s dreamscape, deduces Ibeji, loses control of magic, and accidentally kills Kaea.
- ZélieAppears in Inan’s dreamscape, reshapes it, taunts his loyalties, and inadvertently reveals they’re in Ibeji.
- KaeaCaptain loyal to Saran; discovers Inan’s magic, tries to alert others, dies when Inan’s power overwhelms her.
- AmariReferenced; her memory tempers Inan’s anger. Zélie reports she’s scared but alive.
- King SaranOff-page threat; his past and potential reaction drive Inan’s fear and cover-up.
- LekanReferenced; his death haunts Inan, and his magic parallels Inan’s uncontrolled power.