At Livira’s cry, Evar turns from Clovis and Yute to find Malar gut-stabbed and fading. Torn between his sister and Livira’s plea, he decides to save Malar by taking him to the center circle. Evar begs Clovis to wait, noting sabbers continue to spill through the portal, then heads for the pool.

Livira insists on coming despite Evar’s warning that entering his chamber means no return to her past. She follows him into the water. They emerge into the chamber’s trampled crops and blackened patches where Escapes have died; the Assistant and the Soldier resume their waiting stances.

Running the mile of stacks with Malar in his arms, Evar and Livira smash through a book wall while the Soldier guards their rear. They realize the Exchange had been translating their speech; without it, Livira struggles with Evar’s language. Evar admits he carries Malar because Malar matters to Livira.

At the center circle, its radiance reverses their exhaustion and draws Malar back from the brink. Evar wrestles with shame and longing over how Livira might now see him, while Livira breaks into sobs. The Soldier, uncharacteristically gentle, touches her shoulder in comfort.

Malar revives, shedding his armor to reveal a fading scar where the mortal wound had been. He threatens Evar should he harm Livira, then grudgingly thanks him for saving his life. The immediate bloodshed is averted, but the larger conflict with Clovis remains unresolved beyond the pool.