The Book That Wouldn't Burn

When Volente does nothing but stare at her reproachfully, Livira starts trying to unlock the book. When Arpix arrives, Volente disappears. Despite Livira’s efforts to keep her theft a secret, Arpix quickly discerns that she has the book. Together, they manage to figure out the lock and open it. The book offers scattered insights on the Exchange, which connects libraries across eras. While the book is vague about methods of entrance, Livira finds a promising clue stating that a circle made with an assistant’s blood can open a portal. Recalling the injured assistant at the portal, Livira, with Arpix in tow, goes to use Volente to access Chamber 7 and the Exchange.

To avoid suspicion, Livira and Arpix stash the stolen book on a random shelf in Chamber 1. Livira then summons Volente, hoping that he can unlock Chamber 7. After a few attempts, Volente leads them not directly through the door but to the immobile winged assistant. When Volente barks, the figure comes to life and attempts to communicate in various languages before finally settling on canith, which Livira has already taught herself to speak. When Livira asks for the Raven’s name, he tells her that it is “Edgarallen,” then becomes dormant again.