CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT: ZÉLIE

At sunrise outside the sanctuary, Zélie gathers her Reapers—Mári, Bimpe, and Mâzeli—for a race to a distant hill, testing their half-moon of training and new incantations. The contest boosts morale as they compete to prove their control and creativity with the shadows of death.

Mári launches first, weaving a shadow glider to surf the wind but drifts off course. Bimpe innovates by turning her shadows into a sail, then a board to surf a raging river. Mâzeli compensates for weak wings by casting rapid shadow-ropes from branch to branch, propelling himself forward in bursts.

Mâzeli reaches the hilltop first, crowing victory as the others land and bicker playfully. Zélie feels pride in their progress and momentary relief from the burdens of leadership.

As Zélie prepares to greet Bimpe, she notices Amari moving stealthily between distant hills. Suspecting Amari may be slipping away to pursue peace with the monarchy, Zélie orders the Reapers back and glides down to follow Amari alone through the jungle.

In a clearing, Zélie confronts Amari, demanding to know where she is going. As Amari pales in silence, Zélie notices a second streak of white hidden among the trees—another watcher whose presence raises immediate danger and uncertainty.