Evar reflects on Mayland, the lost brother whose passion for myth traced a common origin story of libraries across worlds. Mayland believed their vast prison-library was an echo of the first library, a truth that deepens Evar’s sense that answers lie buried in its foundations.

By the pool’s low border wall, Evar broods over Clovis—her layered defenses, their failed intimacy, and her rage at the sabbers who slaughtered her people. The wall symbolizes her unforgiving lines and the conflict that would follow crossing them. Evar anchors himself in the book from the tower, fixating on its plea: “Find me at the bottom.”

Concluding the only way is down, Evar goes to the ancient char wall that seals one corridor, planning to expose the base of the fourth door. The Assistant once said similar char walls had hidden all three known doors; Evar intends to clear this one, believing “the bottom” might reveal an exit—or the woman.

The Soldier arrives, immaculate amid soot, warning that digging is a foolish way to die. When Evar shows the book and speaks of the woman, the Soldier’s eyes darken and his voice gains feeling; he confesses a need to find her and threatens Evar if she is harmed. In a blink, the Soldier’s demeanor snaps back to its emotionless norm, and he orders Evar away, leaving the mystery—and Evar’s determination—sharpened.