CHAPTER THREE: ZÉLIE

Under Jimeta’s night rain, Zélie rides Nailah through darkened streets, noting Iyika symbols and the influx of refugees in tent camps. She bristles at the sight of a tîtán child and the fear she provokes, linking the white streaks to the ritual’s fallout and her grief for Baba.

At Roën’s den, Harun and other mercenaries corner Zélie, taunting her as a “maggot” and revealing a rising bounty for the girl who brought magic back. Zélie restrains her ashê despite provocation, until Roën arrives, disperses his crew, and leads her away.

Roën takes Zélie up a precarious lift to his sparse cliffside cave. From above, Zélie sees lines of fleeing Orïshans and wrestles with guilt over the chaos unleashed by magic. Roën’s cynicism and flirtation contrast with Zélie’s turmoil as she tends a wound on his shoulder.

Pressed by Roën, Zélie admits she no longer wants magic and longs to be free, but insists Amari must claim the throne so Baba’s death won’t be for nothing. She argues that without Amari, others will seize power and the maji hunt will continue.

Moved but wary, Roën reminds Zélie of past broken chances. Zélie pledges on Baba’s life that he’ll be paid if he helps. Roën accepts, committing his crew to support Amari’s rally and announcing they will leave that night.