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.