Page 97 of Children of Anguish and Anarchy

“But if it does…” Zélie releases a shuddered breath. “Promise me you’ll fight. Promise me you’ll do everything you can.”

Though I don’t want to speak the words, I force myself to nod.

“I promise.”

CHAPTER SIXTY

INAN

MUSIC AND CHATTER ECHOin from the war rally, traveling through the stained glass windows of Emperor Jörah’s throne room. I comb over the maps laid across the tiled floors, searching for anything I’ve missed, anything that will ensure our victory in this war.

In mere hours we sail for Baldyr’s shores. Under my orders, we obliterate his fleet. But as the night ticks away, my fingers fall numb.

The fate of both our nations falls to me.

I touch the map of Baldeírik, trying to commit the heart-shaped kingdom to memory. The names of the six territories swim in my mind—Hlÿr,Faól,Hávar,Vídarr,Dóllyr, andIarlaith. Each colony holds a main village at its center, surrounded by thick squares that mark grain fields and farmhouses. In the middle of the map lies their sacred forge, no doubt the source of their masks and bloodmetal weapons.

With more resources at my disposal, I know the attack I would mount. I yearn to unleash Orïsha’s full wrath. In better times, Burners would lay waste to their food supplies. Cancers would raid their villages. Mother and her Grounders would level their mountains to the earth. The Skulls would pay for every Orïshan life they’ve taken.

They’d rue the day they ever set foot on our shores.

But with the New Gaians, I have to focus. The might of the Lâminasand the agility of the vineweavers can only mount one attack. I run my fingers across every name inked into Emperor Jörah’s scrolls, feeling the weight of each life at my command. Though I’ve overseen soldiers before, something about tomorrow feels different. There’s no room for error.

I can’t afford to lead the New Gaians astray.

“I knew I would find you here.”

I turn—Mae’e stands in the imposing doorway, a fresh sheen of sweat on her brown skin. Her scarlet skirts swirl around her in the absence of wind. The vines across the floor stretch toward her, magnets finding their way home.

I bow in her presence before gesturing to her gaze. “Because of your Sight?”

Mae’e shakes her head. “Because ofher.”

The hierophant motions me over to the window. I follow just as Zélie and Tzain exit the underground tunnels beneath the imperial palace. At the sight of Zélie, my heart skips a beat. Her beauty shines through her jewel-embroidered veil.

“You are so focused on protecting her,” Mae’e says. “I am surprised you tore yourself from these maps to attend the rally at all.”

“I couldn’t miss it,” I remark. “You were formidable. I think Yéva would be proud.”

At the mention of Yéva, Mae’e almost smiles, but her lips turn into a frown. “Yéva is a part of the Mother Root now. Every time I visit, I ask for her guidance. I want to know what she would do.”

“Have you had success?” I ask.

“Whenever I try to find out about the battle ahead, all I see is the two of you.”

“Why?” I arch my brow.

“I do not know,” Mae’e answers. She studies me under her diamond gaze. “I was hoping to find out.”

We watch as Zélie boards a lily pad back to Mount Gaia. At the last moment, Tzain wraps Zélie in his arms. Something heavy hangs in the air between them. Zélie seems to fight her own tears as she sails off.

“Zélie shares a connection with the mountain now,” Mae’e continues. “Ever since its spirit aided Yéva and me in bringing her back to life. But from the way the two of you stare, I believe Zélie shares a connection with you as well.”

As Zélie disappears down the candlelit canal, the dreamscape emerges in my mind’s eye. I see the forest and waterfalls that once sprouted at Zélie’s feet. I feel the warmth of her body as we tangled through the reeds.

“There is a place,” I start slowly. “A space we share in our minds.”

“The dreamscape?” Mae’e smiles.

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