Legacy of Orïsha, #2
Children of Virtue and Vengeance
by Tomi Adeyemi
Contents
CHAPTER FIFTY-FIVE: ZÉLIE
Overview
Zélie and Mâzeli are rushed to the sanctuary infirmary, still bound by the moonstone’s lethal connection. Mama Agba severs their link to save Zélie, killing the bond. Despite Khani and the Healers’ efforts, Mâzeli’s life fades. Zélie comforts him through his final moments, deepening her loss and resolve.
Summary
Kâmarū carries Zélie and Mâzeli into the sanctuary infirmary, where Khani mobilizes Healers to stabilize them. The moonstone still binds their spirits, draining Zélie as Mâzeli’s heartbeat slows. Mâzeli pleads for the connection to be broken, but Zélie refuses, believing it is the only thing keeping him alive.
As both bodies seize, Khani calls for Mama Agba, who arrives and invokes an ancient command to sever the bond. The jolt revives Zélie’s breath but ends the connection; her magic flickers and fails when she tries to reconnect.
With the link gone, Mâzeli’s lifeforce dims despite the Healers’ chants. Zélie realizes there is no saving him. She reassures Mâzeli that the others survived and comforts him about the afterlife, naming his mother, Arunima, and Oya.
Mâzeli fights fear, then accepts his fate as a Reaper, asking that the Reapers not be sad. Zélie holds him as his pain mounts, blood returns, and his grip loosens. He dies after telling them, “Don’t be sad,” leaving Zélie devastated yet steadfast by his side.
Who Appears
- ZélieRushed to the infirmary still spirit-bound to Mâzeli; survives after the link is severed; comforts him as he dies.
- MâzeliGravely injured and linked to Zélie; the bond is cut; dies peacefully after final words to Zélie.
- Mama AgbaArrives at Khani’s call and uses an ancient command to sever Zélie and Mâzeli’s deadly connection.
- KhaniLeads the Healers in the infirmary, coordinates aid, but cannot save Mâzeli.
- KâmarūTransports Zélie and Mâzeli to the infirmary at the chapter’s start.