Chapter 38

Wentworth guides the party toward the chamber’s center. Though Yute’s followers are terrified, their loyalty to Livira and the presence of three canith, plus the skeer-repelling orb, keep them moving. Arpix reflects that Livira’s lifelong care for Dust-folk binds these people to her cause despite their fear.

As they walk, Leetar and Meelan exchange what happened after the Exchange: King Oanold revealed himself among the soldiers, seized command, and violence followed with many soldiers killed. Yute then compelled a return to the Exchange and led them through a second door that delivered them to this part of the library.

Arpix contrasts Yute’s group’s dread with his own nostalgia for the library and muses on Oanold’s flaws as political rather than monstrous. He wrestles with his growing attraction to Clovis, recalling Livira’s past urgings to seize life rather than wait for safety.

Kerrol notices Arpix’s turmoil and, after teasing, warns that the canith family will not take the same side in the library’s coming war. He cautions that the library has shown Clovis a harsher face than it has shown Arpix, and a time of choosing is near—one that may be harder if Arpix puts Clovis first. Clovis pointedly dismisses Kerrol’s “biting” joke.

Gunshots crackle in the distance, followed by screams. Evar accelerates, pushing Wentworth to lead faster. The group breaks into a run through twisting aisles despite children tiring. Clovis, still weakened, forces her way up behind Evar; Arpix stays close.

After rapid turns, a terrified cry erupts at the front. Clovis readies to strike, but Evar’s voice, raw with emotion, shouts “Livira!”—signaling that Evar has seen Livira ahead.