Chapter 57: Baz

Baz, Kai, Clover, Cordie, and Luce slip into the Decrescens library at night to attempt the Vault. With students closing in and Thames still missing, they cannot delay. Clover begins the ward sequence in founders’ death order, invoking Hilda Dunhall’s Shadowguide magic to summon the founders’ spirits.

Clover then uses Florien Delaune’s Wordsmith power to manifest the ghosts. The founders appear and immediately attack, triggering exsanguination. Clover counters with Lutwin de Vruyes’s Purifier balance to calm them, then employs Suera Belesa’s Unraveler insight to reveal what is concealed, dispersing the spirits and quieting the wards.

To verify the wards are truly down, Kai steps through the door first, arguing he could not reverse time if Baz were harmed. With the way clear, the group descends into the Vault’s clocklike aisles and reaches the S aisle, where a replica of the Tides stands.

Clover activates a hidden spiral staircase via Anima’s carved spiral. They descend into a circular chamber with sixteen tidal thrones and a basin lit turquoise by the fountain’s fall. Baz senses Dovermere’s magic pulsing from the glowing pool.

In the water, the group discovers Thames floating face down, his glasses left beside the basin, confirming he is here and in grave danger.