Chapter 41

Summary

• The chapter begins with Livira and Meelan, a trainee librarian, being alert to a sudden attack in the city's grand plaza by a sabber, a monstrous creature. The creature is taken out by local soldiers, but not before causing considerable panic and fear amongst the city's citizens.
• The threat of sabbers has been increasing over the past years, with their raids on the city becoming more frequent. It is also revealed that these creatures have begun to adopt and use human technology, making them even more dangerous than before.
• Livira reflects on her journey from being appointed as a full librarian to now, becoming alert to the increasing dangers that sabbers pose to the city. She strongly feels an onus towards arming the city and its soldiers with powerful weapons to counter the sabbers, even though these have had a history of causing more harm to humans than intended.
• Throughout this time, Livira has been searching for a way back to the Exchange, a mysterious and dangerous part of the library, which she believes holds the key to resolving the conflict. However, despite her best efforts, she is unable to find a way back.
• The chapter provides an insight into the politics of the library, revealing the ruthless competition amongst librarians and the deadly seriousness of head librarian Yamala's regime.
• Despite the mounting dangers and deadly politics of the city, Livira finds solace in her one true passion - the exploration and investigation of books. She continues her quest for a way back to the Exchange, determined not to let fear or obstacles hinder her progress.
• By the end of the chapter, Livira has found a potential lead in a book that mentions The Forest Between by Celyn Lewis, a tome that supposedly has information on how to return to the Exchange. However, the book seems to be only present in head librarian Yamala's personal quarters, which are heavily guarded.

• Livira goes to head librarian Yamala's door, which is visited regularly by the deputy heads, except for Yute.
• Some suggest Yamala might be bed-bound or even deceased, with her quarters serving as a meeting place for the deputy librarians. This notion challenges Carlotte's speculation that Yamala might have been killed by the deputies.
• Livira picks the lock of the door and finally enters the room, which is illuminated by bright light.
• She was taking a huge chance by breaking in, particularly fearful of the possibility of being caught by returning librarians who were away on tasks that she herself had constructed.
• Livira was driven by the desperation of being unable to make progress, and the belief that entering this room was the only way to get to Evar. She felt she owed it to Evar to risk her livelihood in order to find and protect him, just as he had risked his life for her.
• Livira changes into the stolen trainee robes to prevent her identification. The room appears to be the deputies' meeting spot, featuring a large table and a beautiful carpet.
• The room has four doors. Ignoring the voice in her mind that's urging her to retreat, Livira approaches one of the doors.
• Just as she touches the handle, the door starts to open.