Legacy of Orïsha, #2
Children of Virtue and Vengeance
by Tomi Adeyemi
Contents
CHAPTER SIXTY-FIVE: ZÉLIE
Overview
After returning to the sanctuary, Zélie and Roën share a tender moment that nearly turns intimate, but Zélie’s trauma resurfaces and stops her. Panicking, Zélie drives Roën away with cruel words, fracturing their bond.
The breakdown lands on the eve of confronting Amari, compounding Zélie’s guilt and isolation.
Summary
Zélie and Roën return to the sanctuary after the celebrations, moving quietly past sleeping maji. They pause at Zélie’s door, exchanging soft words and memories that make Roën feel “home.” Zélie admits she will go to face Amari tomorrow to support Tzain and honor her vow to protect Mári and Bimpe.
Drawn together, Zélie asks Roën to stay. They kiss, and Roën checks in for consent as they begin to undress. The moment is tender, free of pretense, and Zélie leans into the possibility of something real.
Suddenly, the touch ignites the memory of Saran’s torture. Zélie’s scars prickle, pain sears through her, and she spirals into panic, assaulted by flashes of Mâzeli’s death, Inan’s touch, and Baba’s blood. She recoils, gasping and retreating across the room.
Confused and concerned, Roën backs off and asks what’s wrong, promising they don’t have to do anything. Terrified of vulnerability, Zélie weaponizes her words, denying her feelings and calling Roën a “monster for hire,” even comparing him unfavorably to Inan.
Hurt, Roën leaves. Alone, Zélie collapses in tears, the silence and shame of her trauma weighing heavier than her scars, just as the group prepares to confront Amari.
Who Appears
- ZélieProtagonist; seeks solace with Roën but trauma from past torture resurfaces, causing a panic and a harsh rejection.
- RoënMercenary ally; offers tenderness and consent, then is devastated when Zélie pushes him away with cruel words.
- InanFormer love and adversary; invoked by Zélie in hurtful comparison during her defensive outburst.
- SaranDeceased tyrant; his past torture scars trigger Zélie’s panic during intimacy.
- BabaZélie’s late father; his bloody death flashes through her mind amid the panic.
- MâzeliFallen boy Zélie fused with; his death echoes in her trauma during the breakdown.
- TzainZélie’s brother; she insists on accompanying him to face Amari, not leaving him alone.
- AmariWould-be queen and coming adversary; Zélie prepares to confront her the next day.
- Nâo and KhaniMaji couple; glimpsed peacefully by the waterfall as Zélie and Roën return.