Chapter 43

Summary

• The chapter follows Livira as she grapples with the consequences of her deceit and theft from the library, anticipating being exiled and disappointing those who saw her as a hero.
• Despite feeling guilty and scared, Livira decides to unlock the stolen book and discover its secrets before she gets caught. She believes that the information within the book may provide her with new options and possibly help her situation.
• Livira has been searching for a mythical creature known as the Raven, which supposedly can unlock hidden chambers in the library. She has not been successful thus far in summoning or finding the Raven, but remains hopeful.
• The mysterious black dog that appeared in a previous chapter seems to be watching Livira carefully, disapproving of her attempts to unlock the book.
• Livira is interrupted by Arpix, a fellow librarian. In an attempt to keep his attention away from her hidden actions, she tries to dismiss him by telling him that she is busy with a new book and blaming her odd behaviour on women's issues.
• When Arpix discovers the book that Livira has, he becomes excited and starts trying to open it, much to the annoyance of the ghost-like black dog that appears to be attached to the book.
• Through some unconventional methods and brute force, Arpix manages to open the lock of the book. The dog disappears, leaving Livira and Arpix in shock.
• The book entitled "The Forest Between," provides Livira with vast knowledge about the Exchange – a mythical place connected to multiple libraries across time and space - and potentially how to access it. However, the method indicated in the book involves using the blood of a seemingly indestructible being known as an assistant.
• Livira recalls seeing the blood of an assistant and believes it has magical or otherworldly properties. She thinks that she can summon the Raven to help them gain access to Chamber Seven to get the needed blood.
• Livira discovers that the black dog is actually the Raven’s guide, named Volente. Upon asking for the Raven’s help, Volente coughs up a black feather, implying that the Raven is potentially summonable.
• Livira decides to use Volente to open Chamber Seven in the library, hoping to access the Exchange. She and Arpix rush to the library with urgency.