Legacy of Orïsha, #2
Children of Virtue and Vengeance
by Tomi Adeyemi
Contents
CHAPTER NINE: ZÉLIE
Overview
Amid Nehanda’s majacite assault, Zélie witnesses the queen reveal herself as a tîtán who can siphon ashê and unleash devastating earthshaking power. As Nehanda fractures the dome, Roën rescues Zélie with a mask and cover. Tzain and Amari arrive on Nailah and pull them to safety as the structure collapses.
Summary
Choking on airborne majacite, Zélie struggles to move as Queen Nehanda advances, denouncing “the traitor.” Zélie realizes Nehanda is a tîtán when emerald ashê flares through the queen’s body. Nehanda freezes her own tîtán guard and siphons their ashê, dropping soldiers to their knees and killing at least one.
Empowered, Nehanda slams her fists into the earth, splitting the arena floor. The quake spreads beyond her control and fractures the dome itself. Paralyzed by despair and guilt, Zélie nearly gives up as sunlight spears through widening cracks.
Roën tackles Zélie out of the collapse’s path and gives her a golden mask for clean air. They shelter under a fallen slab while debris hammers down. As the dome continues to fail, Tzain and Amari charge in on Nailah.
Amari reaches for them, and Roën and Zélie scramble onto Nailah. With Tzain steering, the ryder dodges cascading stone as they race out. The group escapes to the beach’s edge while the dome crumbles behind them, confirming Nehanda’s terrifying new power and escalating the threat.
Who Appears
- ZélieProtagonist; caught in majacite gas, witnesses Nehanda’s tîtán power, rescued by Roën, and escapes on Nailah.
- Queen NehandaAntagonist; revealed as a tîtán who siphons ashê and fractures the dome, unleashing devastating quake.
- RoënMercenary ally; tackles Zélie to safety, provides a mask for air, and helps her reach Nailah.
- AmariPrincess-claimant; rides in on Nailah, extends aid, and helps pull Roën and Zélie to safety.
- TzainZélie’s brother; steers Nailah through falling debris during the escape.
- NailahLionarie ryder; carries the group and dodges debris as the dome collapses.