Children of Virtue and Vengeance (Legacy of Orïsha #2)(87)

What is this? I tilt my head at the sight. The orbs fill the water above our heads, shining bright through the darkness. The spiderweb of light brings the ocean to life. I can hardly believe my eyes. A rush spreads through me like the first time I watched Mama do magic.

There’s no place fish don’t swim. Long eels with silver scales zip under our feet. Crabs with metallic shells skitter along the surrounding coral reefs. A giant sea turtle passes overhead, so close it swims through loose strands of Ro?n’s hair. My breath shudders as I run my fingers over the reflective mosaic on its shell.

The sea turtle swims toward the spiderweb of light, joining the thousands of fish now circling above our heads. The sight is so majestic I nearly lose my grip on the rusted chain. I didn’t know the water I loved could be so beautiful.

I try to catch Ro?n’s gaze, but he stares off into the distance. With no warning, he snaps into action, removing a crossbow from his pack that’s loaded with a flat hook instead of an arrow.

What’s going on? I drift closer to him, trying to figure out what he’s doing. He grabs my wrist and kicks down, taking us deeper into the blackness.

A speck of light shines in the distance, glowing brighter over time. But as seconds pass, I realize that it’s not glowing brighter.

It’s growing bigger as it races toward us.

I try to kick away, but Ro?n forces me to stay. It’s difficult to remain still when he places the crossbow against his shoulder and takes aim. The beast cuts through the water like a cannon, so large it changes the ocean’s currents. It lights up the sea with its approach. My heart thrashes when it nears.

For the love of Oya.

My chest constricts as the blue whale zooms overhead, so big I can’t take it all in. The sight is so bewildering, I forget to breathe.

The blue whale fills an entire stretch of ocean, glowing like the bioluminescent plankton of Jimeta’s coast. The light spreads from the tip of its nose to the flukes of its tail. It’s like the fabric of night shines through its smooth skin.

The beast opens its mouth to feed, consuming the tornado of fish that swim above. It devours thousands in one bite. Then it begins its ascent.

Hold on!

I feel the words through Ro?n’s grip. He hooks an arm around my waist as I wrap both of mine around him. With a jolt, he pulls the trigger of his bow, launching the flat hook through the water, and the projectile connects under the whale’s massive flipper. A moment is all we have before the connecting cord yanks us through the water.

Every bone in my body rattles as we shoot forth. It’s like being pulled by a thousand elephantaires. Water pounds against our skin as we fly through the ocean at unimaginable speeds. The whale’s glow lights up the sea like the sun, illuminating more than any lanterns ever could.

Massive stingrays flash by. Rainbow scales crackle across the water like lightning. It all feels like a dream, one I never want to end.

I wheeze as we breach the surface. The whale arcs through the air, so large it blocks out the moon.

Ro?n’s arms wrap around me as he lets go of our connection. The beast twists in a circle before crashing back into the sea.

“Brace yourself!” Ro?n yells over the roar.

The waves rip around us like a tsunami. I squeeze Ro?n tight as we thrash through the water. It feels like minutes before the ocean returns to its gentle tug.

As the water settles, I spot our boat floating half a kilometer away.

I rip off my mask with shaking hands, gasping for breath. A laugh escapes my throat and I grab my chest, kicking my legs in a circle to stay at the surface. The sea shines with the dying light of the whale’s glow. I stare down until it vanishes, leaving us in the black water.

“That was incredible!” I scream. “The most amazing thing I’ve ever seen!”

Ro?n smiles as I yell. “That’s usually what my lovers say about me.”

I splash water at him and he laughs, true joy crinkling his nose. It catches me off guard. He almost looks like someone else.

“Why’d you do that?” I ask.

His smile softens and he drifts closer to me, touching my cheek.

“That.” His fingers rest along the corners of my lip. “It’s been far too long since I’ve seen that.”





CHAPTER SIXTY-FOUR


INAN


I STARE AT the maps and battle plans scattered across our table as reality sinks in. They’re only parchment and black ink, yet they outline our road to victory. Our troops are stationed outside Lagos. Mother and I are out of harm’s way. Every trap has been put in place.

This time we’re going to win.

“Is everyone clear on their marching orders?” Mother takes charge in my silence. Her low voice echoes through the pyramid ahéré outside Ibadan’s village center, clay padding insulating the stone from the cool mountain air. I stare at the fire burning in the back of the hut as the military officers nod.

“That’s all for now.” I wave my hand. “Send me updates when you make progress.”

As they salute and exit the room, I walk to the fireplace. The heat of the flames warms my skin as I wait to feel a sense of satisfaction, a flicker of relief. But no matter how much time passes, I only feel numb. It’s hard to believe that this really is the end.

“I shouldn’t be here.” Ojore comes to my side when the last officer walks out the door. “Send me back to Lagos. Let me be your boots on the ground.”