Dianna and Liam sit outside the large mortal festival that Dianna believes offers their best chance to reach Zarall. Liam is tense because the happy screams from the rides trigger memories of Rashearim, bloodshed, and monstrous beasts. Dianna reassures Liam, promises not to leave his side, and recognizes that his arrogance has been hiding grief, anxiety, and pain.

As Dianna and Liam enter the festival, Dianna keeps Liam distracted and points out that Liam has never properly processed the trauma of his past. Dianna admits Gabby suggested Liam might need someone to talk to, and Dianna frames herself as Liam’s unlikely friend. Dianna also thinks through her own future: if Gabby will be safe with Liam’s people, Dianna will stop running and accept whatever punishment awaits after Kaden is dealt with, though Dianna hopes Gabby might be allowed to visit.

After two hours with only a message that their contact is running late, Dianna tries to make the wait easier. Dianna takes Liam through games, bumper cars, a photo booth, and sugary festival food, and Liam’s confusion about mortal customs makes Dianna laugh freely. When Dianna jokingly uses Liam’s title as World Ender, Liam asks Dianna not to, and Dianna respects the boundary.

While resting near quieter rides, Dianna senses the same strange presence Dianna felt at the cafe and Ophanium. Dianna’s Ig’Morruthen instincts rise and Dianna’s eyes change, but Liam senses nothing nearby. Liam covers Dianna with his jacket after assuming Dianna is cold, and Dianna realizes Liam has been observing mortal behavior, not merely scanning for threats.

Dianna and Liam talk more openly as Liam admits Liam hates public attention because Liam feels as though strangers can see and judge every mistake Liam has made. Dianna tells Liam the crowd is staring because Liam is beautiful, not because they know Liam’s past. Dianna then reveals that Dianna once wanted the kind of devoted love Gabby admires in films and tried to be serious with Kaden, while Liam explains the concept of an amata, a beloved soul-bond, and says if Liam could choose, Liam would want an equal partner.

Their banter and vulnerability are interrupted when Dianna’s phone buzzes with a message from their contact directing them to the Ferris wheel immediately. Liam helps Dianna down from the table, and their mood turns serious as they head toward the back of the carnival.