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CHAPTER TEN

TZAIN

“A GAIN ! ”

My command travels down the long hall. All the boys hurtle forward, united as one. The iron bars screech with each charge, struggling to hold back our combined force.

“More!” I shout. Our chains rattle against the bars of our cell. Metal bolts fly from the lock. Our cage door starts to give. The rusted iron groans against its hinges.

Zélie, I’m coming.

I keep my sister’s face in my mind with every charge. I see every time Zélie’s needed me to be strong. Every person who’s caused her harm. The guards. King Saran. Nehanda and her t?táns. Even Inan. Every enemy falls, leaving me face-to-face with the Silver Skull.

I didn’t always know my place. Without magic of my own, I didn’t know how to keep my sister safe. But in this moment, it all feels so clear.

Rescuing Zélie is the only thing I can make sense of in here.

“More!” I rally the boys. Blood drips down my knuckles as I throw my body against the lock. The cage door starts to squeal. Our freedom begins to feel real.

“It’s working!” I spur them on. Adrenaline pumps through my veins. “Don’t stop! We’re close! We just have to push—”

A monstrous bolt of lightning shudders down from the sky, flickering through the ventilation shaft. Pure white light crackles through the cargo hold. It illuminates swirling storm clouds above.

“What was that?” Taiwo whispers. One by one, the maji are drawn to the sight. Though the view is limited, I feel the power that gathers in the air. High in the sky, thunder roars. Below the ship, the waters pick up force.

An ache burns through my chest, digging deep into my ribs. My fingers grow numb when I slide my hand over the spot.

Something’s wrong.…

Somehow I know Zélie is the cause.

What have they done? For a moment, terror traps me. I don’t know if I’m too late. But I don’t allow myself to give up.

I can’t stop until I see Zélie’s face.

“Keep going!” I order the maji. We all return to the charge. The halls echo with our cries. The boys fight with new resolve.

The maji bleed against their cages. They push so hard, they break their own bones. They fight with their fury. With their sorrow.

For every life we’ve lost to the Skulls.

“Incoming!” Kenyon warns.

Heavy boots move overhead. There’s no hiding our attempt to break free now.

The Skulls are here.

Our time has run out.

“ Make them pay! ” I scratch my voice raw. “ Make them feel what they’ve done! ”

With one final charge, my cage flies open.

We spill into the hall as the Skulls open the arched door.