“Totsi’s is right there,” I say, pointing. “We can’t turn back now. One of you should go back and warn them.”

They nod in agreement, but neither makes a move.

“Zora,” Jhamal says, “Kai is probably worried sick without you. It should be you.”

“Nice try. I gave my word to Kai. My charge is to keep an eye on Jelani and this mission to ensure its success. It should be you. Shaun’s a hothead. He could use you there to help simmer him.”

“She’s not wrong.” I turn to Jhamal and our fingers snap to each other’s like magnets. “In case Bati has had a time keeping everyone from each other’s throats, perhaps it should be you?”

“Is this about that person you keep texting on your watch?”

“Jhamal, what? No.” I hadn’t even realized he was watching that hard. “Julius is checking on things back home for me. That’s all. He’s, like, one of my best friends.”

“I will do this because you ask me. Not because I want to.”

Zora, sensing it’s a private moment, slinks off to observe the conversation with Bri and Grag.

“So that’s it then?” Jhamal wraps his arms around me, and I’m reminded of the comfort he gave me in that cell. The comfort I’m about to lose.

“Every time we separate, someone else dies.” His jaw clenches. “Do not let it be you.” His thumb brushes my lips. He’s not wrong. So much destruction. So much death.

“I will be back with a way to reach the Ancestors. I promise you.”

“Don’t promise me. Promise yourself. If I’ve learned anything from you, Jelani, it is that whatever you set your mind to do, whatever you promise yourself you will stand for, you do it.” His lip trembles, but he forces out his words. Trying to appear strong in that way he does. “So, do not fail yourself. Do not worry about failing me or any of us.” He brings my hand to his chest. “It is impossible for me to see you any more radiantly than I do.”

I don’t have words that would ease this ache. I get it, I do. But I see no other way. So I press my lips to his, hoping he feels everything I’ve wanted but struggled to say.

“Okay,” I breathe, breaking the kiss. “Let’s do this. Be together. I want to try.”