Viv arrives at Thistleburr to find it closed and in disarray. Fern, energized by Viv's earlier suggestion, is reorganizing the entire shop with Satchel's help, preparing wrapped book bundles labeled with evocative words for a planned boardwalk sale timed with an incoming passenger vessel in two days. Viv joins in, inking labels on the parcels while Satchel wraps and Fern sorts.

As they work, Viv and Fern gently probe Satchel about his past with Varine. The homunculus reveals he has witnessed great wonders and terrible things, but is bound by his covenant and cannot speak against his Lady or describe what he truly did in her service. When Fern asks what he would do if free, he can only say he cannot speak against her.

Fern discovers an unfamiliar, oversized black tome wedged on a shelf. Satchel desperately begs her not to open it, confirming through his strangled silence that it is Varine's—the item Balthus stole and hid in the shop, explaining his prior visit. Viv takes responsibility, recognizing it as connected to the trouble that nearly killed her.

Viv opens the book to find pages of pure devouring blackness, cold and emitting a faint chime and lightning scent. She tests the page first by dipping a pen feather into it, which emerges unharmed, then plunges her entire arm into the page up to the elbow, withdrawing it intact. Fern is horrified, leaving the mystery of the book—and what lies within it—newly opened.