Bati holds up a hand. “I’m the arbiter of this ceremony. I’ll allow it.” He turns to me. “Jelani, this is very rare, dangerous magic you seek to do. What is it exactly that you propose?”

I set down the book, which I’ve realized is useless. “We can’t win without all of us wielding magic again. I can’t save us by myself.”

Shaun scoffs. “She admits it herself; she cannot save us. I am so sick at how we dance around the Ancestors’ Chosen One. It’s pathetic. What has she done but kill more of us?”

“Coquella, enough,” Jhamal says from the shadows, gaze fixed on Shaun. “Your point has been made. Jelani has the floor right now.”

“You stand with this girl because—”

“Watch it.” Jhamal stands, adoration for me etched into his set jaw. Warmth flickers inside me and I move closer to him, letting my arm brush his. But I’ma chew his ass out for this, though. Just wait.

Kai folds her arms, pursing her lips. “She is right. The infighting has to stop.”

I am? I mean, I think I am. But she thinks I am? I blink. The Yakannas’ gaze follow her like a magnet. Only Zora’s gaze flutters between us. Maybe there’s hope for Kai and me. She’s full of pride. Strong. A lot like me.

“I don’t wanna disrespect anyone,” I say. “I’m sorry for everything. Trust me, you couldn’t possibly think less of me than I do of myself right now. I feel terrible.”

Jhamal reaches for me, but I have to do this on my own feet. I turn to Bati.

“I’m honored that you’d think me worthy, but, Bati, that ain’t me.” I move toward the door. “Y’all figure out what you need to. I’m going back out there to find a way to reach the Ancestors and get everyone’s magic restored.” That’s what we need right now. “The Ancestors will fix this.” Not me.

I don’t look back as I leave, but stares burn my skin.

Bri’s back in the room when I get there, swimming in a bed of metal and wires.

“How’d it go?”

“We’re leaving. Pack your bag.”

“Huh?”

“Bri, we gotta get to Totsi’s. We’ve found nothing here. A spell to reach the Ancestors is what we need.”

“Central District is a war zone. That boy we found killed wasn’t the only one, I’m sure.”

“I know that, Bri. But what do we do when shit seems impossible?”

She stuffs her gadgets in her bag reluctantly. “We make a way.”

“Exactly. And besides, maybe you’ll get to put some of your contraptions to work.”

“I feel like you’re mocking me, but I’m going to go with it.”