Yute packs prized instruments and books while sparring with Livira over his slip about “your peoples.” Livira presses him on age and whether he watched her and Evar in the street; Yute deflects. Distant popping grows into a crackle as arrow-sticks thunder from the walls, and pounding at the door interrupts.

Malar arrives with townsfolk from Livira’s settlement. Yute declares the city will fall by sunset and urges sanctuary in the library or flight northwest to Harald Pass. Livira wants to rescue Carlotte, but Malar restrains her, warning she would die. To force movement, Livira grabs a baby and runs; the crowd instinctively chases.

Near the library entrance, the mob halts at a panoramic view of the city: an arc of fires advancing like a burning page. The scale makes denial impossible. At the shattered wolf’s head, Livira spots Jash Shuh lying dead, confirming sabbers have already reached the library.

Inside, Livira, Yute, and Malar advance carefully. Salamonda holds the rest outside, ready to enter if the fighting reaches the slopes. Scattered books and damage mark the corridors. Livira turns toward the trainees’ rooms to warn Meelan, Arpix, and Jella; Yute heads for the head librarian. When Livira asks who Yamala is to him, Yute reveals she is his wife.