Chapter 48

Summary

• The chapter begins with Livira and Evar sharing a meaningful kiss. Evar, inexperienced, admits it's his first.
• Contemplating their situation, Livira realises their surroundings - an unfamiliar temple and city - might not be real and could be a projection by the Exchange, an alternate dimension, created from their combined expectations and truths.
• Livira tests her theory. She mentally paints her nails different colours, which Evar does not see. They conclude the Exchange presents a mix of reality and expectation.
• Determined to find other people, they explore the city more, discovering an entire population killed by a sabber (a type of creature) chemical weapon that neither humans nor sabbers had controlled.
• They are unable to help or comfort a young boy they briefly sight, further enhancing their feelings of guilt, frustration, and alienation. They decide to leave the devastated city via the Exchange's portal pools.
• Upon return to their verdant starting point, they are attacked by a sabber woman named Clovis who accuses Evar of being fooled by Livira’s projected human appearance. Livira realizes Clovis is right - she is actually a sabber herself.