“We’re going to make it,” I said, laughing in spite of my nerves.

“He won’t accept help,” Mbali warned when we arrived at the steep staircase to Thaddace’s prison.

I shoved down the nugget of doubt in my throat and smiled at her. “Of course he will.” I tried to forget that only yesterday, a servant had slipped me a calfskin letter. The writing had been burnt directly into the hide—a marker of Thaddace’s Hallow.

I have heard of a plot to secure my escape. If these rumors are true, then you are a fool.

I killed an emperor, for Am’s sake.

I was not forced. I was of sound mind, and despite any loyalty you have for me, I am only reaping what I have sown. Your position is precarious enough. Do not join me in my ruin and make Aritsar lose faith in your legitimacy.

I once told you that there is no justice, only order. But I was wrong. Sometimes justice and order are one and the same.

Leave me to my fate, protégé. I join Egungun’s Parade.

Thaddace had not signed the letter. His seal ring had been confiscated, and he had known, besides, that a signature was unnecessary. Every time I touched the calfskin, my Hallow caused the memory of my former mentor’s hands, the sting of his pain and resolve, to chafe my skin. He had likely heightened his feelings on purpose, knowing that they would seep from the paper and coerce me.

“You can convince him to escape,” I told Mbali. “I know he’s worried about ruining my reputation, but we won’t get caught. All we have to do is—”

“He won’t come,” repeated Mbali. “This isn’t about you, Tarisai. He’s only pretending it is.”

We stared up at the landing. Kirah reached for my hand and squeezed. The last time we had stood here, eleven arrows had been aimed at my mother’s heart. The Lady had survived the botched execution, only to be accidentally poisoned by Woo In, her own council member. Beneath her veil, I was sure Mbali looked haunted as well.

“Thaddace was supposed to protect Olugbade at all costs,” Mbali said. “That is the point of being an Anointed One, and why I was ready for The Lady to drop me from this very tower. But Thaddace . . .” She sighed. “He couldn’t let me go. He broke the most sacred vow he’d ever made, and now he feels the universe is owed a debt.”

Cold crept down my arms. “He wants to die?”

Mbali nodded, the beaded strands of her veil clinking together.

“That’s . . .” I sputtered. “That’s insane.”

“No,” Mbali deadpanned. “That’s just Thaddace.”

Kirah crossed her arms. “The High Lord Judge does love one thing more than order, High Priestess. And that’s you. I’ve seen it.”

“You shouldn’t call me that anymore,” Mbali scolded her quietly. “You became High Priestess Kirah the moment Olugbade died. Likewise, Thaddace is not the High Lord Judge. Not anymore.” She turned sharply to me. “The sooner you both embrace your roles, the better.”