Page 152 of Children of Virtue and Vengeance

Fight, Amari.

Magic burns as it builds in my palm, but then another voice fills my head.

No.

The simple word binds me in its grasp. It holds my magic hostage, forcing me to stand still.

“What’re you waiting for?” Powders and paints streak down Mother’s face as she taunts me. But I drop my hand, blinking as I step back.

“It’s over…” The realization catches me off guard. I thought killing Father was the answer. It only turned me into a monster. “You’ve lost, Mother. The maji are taking over. The monarchy’s come to an end.”

“You spineless traitor!” Veins pulse against Mother’s neck as she fights to break my hold. Her words slur together as she yells. “You’re nothing. You’re not powerful enough to destroy the throne—”

“You’re wrong!” My shout echoes through the deserted hall. The portraits of old kings and queens stare me down. I look up at them, feeling the power in my blood. “If the past few moons have taught me anything, it’s that I’m capable of great things. I know I can be better. I choose to be better!”

I release my hand and Mother’s body falls to the ground. She wheezes as she hits the tiled floor.

“You have never been great!” she roars. “You will neverbegreat!”

But as she shouts into the floor, I limp toward the cellar stairs.

Each step I take feels lighter than the last.

CHAPTER NINETY

ZÉLIE

“HELP!”

The muffled screams echo through the cellar. We sprint across its stone floors, thundering past curved arches and wide pillars. Cries swell through the underground labyrinth, guiding us deep into its winding tunnels. I search for theIyikawhen I see Mári at the end of the hall.

“Elder Zélie!”

My heart skips a beat when she presses her round face between a row of iron bars. Bimpe runs up behind her, both of them locked in a cell.

I nearly trip over myself as I sprint to them. The maji of our sanctuary lie in chains, screaming for our aid. Hundreds of bodies fill the cell, packed so tight I can’t see through to the back.

“Work quickly!” I shout. “Free them!”

We surge forward, using our magic to rip through the chains. Kâmarudisintegrates the links with one touch as Imani and Khani pull the maji free.

The moment Bimpe and Mári are released, I take them into my arms. I squeeze them tight as they sob, holding back my own tears of relief.

“It’s okay,” I soothe them. “You’re safe now. I’m sorry I ever let you get caught—”

But feet fly past our cell and down the hall, stealing the air from my chest. The relief of saving my Reapers fades when I turn to see Inan.

His spirit pulls on me like an anchor, dragging me back to him. He sprints down the opposite hall, two soldiers at his heels.

If I’m going to liberate Orïsha from his tyranny, I must do it now.

“Follow Imani,” I command. “I’m going after the king!”

My heart thrashes against my ribcage as I sprint after Inan. Victory lies in our hands. But it won’t be secure until he’s gone.

The words of his letters reverberate around me, growing louder the closer I get to him. I try to keep his poison from bleeding through my ears.

There are nights when you visit my dreams—

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