Blood at the Root

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of enslavement, cursing, sexual content, death, and graphic violence.

Taron shows Malik around Caiman University. Malik is in awe of the sheer number of Black students, most of whom are openly practicing magic. There are over 10,000 students on the Caiman campus, all of whom can practice magic because of their Hoodoo or Vodun ancestry. However, the school focuses not only on magic but also on subjects like language, performing arts, and history.

Taron explains that he is the school’s Chancellor. Malik notes that Taron doesn’t trust him, which he doesn’t find surprising, as most authority figures don’t like him. Taron shows Malik a phone app for his schedule and more information, then leaves.

As Malik walks around campus, he hears a young girl talking about Katia Washington, a Black girl who has gone missing. The girl speaking insists that they need to be concerned about the sheer number of Black children who are missing every day—magical or not. Malik stares at her and realizes that it is Alexis. She spots him and leaves the crowd to come to him.