Page 80 of Children of Virtue and Vengeance

But in her explanation, I see our answer; our leverage; our peace. We have the power to win this war without losing one more soul. We can create the Orïsha we want to see.

“We went to Chândombléto gain power over Nehanda, and now we have it,” I address the room. “We could build an entire army with cêntersas strong as my mother. With a threat like that, the monarchy would have no choice but to concede to us.” I rise from my seat, picturing my brother’s face when I tell him the power at our disposal. “Allow me to go to Lagos and meet with Inan. I know I can negotiate peace on our terms.”

“Your terms,” Kenyon scoffs. “Not ours. Our future isn’t certain until we have a maji on the throne. No one in the palace will agree to that.” Kenyon stands up, slapping his palms against the table. “With Zélie’s ability, we have the power we need. Now it’s time to use it and take Lagos down for good.”

“Idiot.” Nâo smacks her lips. “We’d have to sacrifice someone we love.”

“Lives will be lost no matter what approach we take,” Kenyon pushes. “At least this way sacrifices won’t be made in vain.”

“I refuse to spill maji blood.” Kâmaru’s voice shakes with a quiet rage. “If we can’t win this war as maji, then we deserve to lose.”

One by one, heads drift to Zélie, looking to her for the final say. I lock eyes with her as we wait, but she avoids my gaze.

“All I’m asking for is a chance to find out if peace is a viable option.” I rise from my seat, kneeling before Zélie. “I know you heard Inan when he told his soldiers not to attack. For skies’ sake, he risked hislifeso you and Mâzeli could escape!”

Her muscles tense as I grab her hand, but I don’t back down.

“He still cares for you,” I lower my voice. “I know you care, too—”

“No.” She rips her hand away, balling her fingers into a fist. “We can’t trust him. We can’t trust any of them.”

“Zélie—”

“I only asked for one thing when I joined this fight,” she cuts me off. “All I wanted was to end Inan.”

“He’s my blood.” I narrow my eyes. “You know I could never agree to that.”

“Well this is my blood.” Zélie gestures around the stone table. “The maji won’t be safe until your brother’s gone.”

Her words cut deeper than she could know. It was only a few moons ago when she grabbed my hand and claimed me as her family. She claimed me as her blood.

“If you won’t spare his life, then I won’t fight for you.” I cross my arms. “You need me on your side. I’m the only cênter you have.”

“We can make our own,” Na’imah glares.

“No, we can’t.” Zélie shakes her head. “Mama Agba’s right. It’s too dangerous. We’re more likely to die trying to make the connection than to match their power, and it’s not worth sacrificing someone we love.”

She stares at me, and I can feel something fracture between us. There’s no hiding it anymore.

We don’t have the same plan to win this war.

“We don’t need Amari.” Zélie turns back to the elders. “We don’t even need to become cênters. We went to Chândombléto recover our scrolls and now we have them.” Zélie gestures to the incantations piled against the far wall. “We’ll train our maji until they’re strong enough to face Nehanda and her tîtáns. And when that day comes, we’ll end this war in the only way the monarchy will respect. The way that would make our ancestors proud.”

“That’s what I’m talking about!” Nâo claps, rising out of her seat. “Let’s finish this our way, led by the Soldier of Death!”

My chest falls as the other elders jump in, enthralled by their future fight. I stare at Zélie and I know she can feel the heat of my gaze, but she doesn’t meet my eye.

My chest slumps and I exit the room, unable to stomach the sight. I practically run out of the first tower, not stopping until I meet the cool night air.

Orïsha waits for no one, Father’s whisper tickles my ear, reminding meof what I must do. I can’t keep waiting for Zélie and theIyikato see reason. No matter what, they only fight for the maji. I must fight for the kingdom.

“Orïsha waits for no one,” I whisper to myself, balling my fists.

If the elders won’t support my plan to win this war, I’ll have to do it myself.

CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR

ZÉLIE

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