Libby struggles to maintain her phone relationship with her boyfriend Ezra while keeping the Society's secrets. When he asks about her work, she can only offer vague descriptions of fellowship activities, unable to share the groundbreaking research she and the others are conducting. Her mind drifts to their early days of study under Atlas Blakely, who lectures on the intersection of magic and science, referencing figures like Democritus, Dante, and Heisenberg. The archives are remarkably responsive—a copy of Heisenberg's notes once appeared before Libby even voiced her curiosity—but when she requests materials on magical fail-safes against degenerative illnesses (prompted by thoughts of her sister Katherine), her request is denied.

Libby reflects on the group's major achievement: she and Nico successfully created a wormhole, the first ever proven to exist, connecting two points within the manor. Though tiny in scale, the implications are enormous—potential space programs, terraforming—but Atlas cautions that such knowledge must be protected from misuse. Libby and Nico have also been experimenting with altering atmospheric molecular makeup, though Reina stopped them when they nearly suffocated a fig plant.

Nico privately reveals to Libby that he's discovered Reina functions like an energy battery—her naturalist abilities provide an extra power source when she's in physical contact, which was key to creating the wormhole. He argues they should cultivate Reina as an ally. Libby and Nico discuss the group's interpersonal dynamics: Reina tolerates them but distrusts Tristan, Callum, and especially Parisa; Parisa has told Libby she'd like her if she had time but will only disappoint; and Callum is universally distrusted. Nico reminds Libby not to share any Society details with Ezra.

They debate Tristan's value as a potential ally. Libby acknowledges his intelligence and useful ability to see through illusions, but notes he's been keeping his distance from her. She worries that Tristan's increasing proximity to Callum is a bad sign. Back on the phone, Ezra grows tense asking about Nico, and Libby's distraction causes friction before they hang up.

Tristan unexpectedly knocks on Libby's door to borrow a Lucretius text. He asks pointed questions about whether she and Nico could create a wormhole through time rather than space, and whether time itself might be something he could perceive differently. Libby grows excited at the possibility that Tristan, like Reina, might have an additional untapped talent. However, Tristan cuts off her theorizing, saying he has nothing to chat about. He pauses at the door to thank her for the book, leaving Libby alone to reflect on how Ezra's unwavering support, while comforting, sometimes feels disconnected from her actual struggles.