Panicked after Radane's reveal as an imperial inspector, Kiela races up the cliff stairs, agonizing over whom she has endangered—Caz, Larran, Bryn, Eadie, Ulina, and possibly all of Caltrey. She stops at the waterfall to warn Ivor, the island healer, that an inspector is in town. Ivor surprises her by acknowledging her kindness toward Larran's merhorse, suggesting the islanders know more about her work than she realized.

Reaching the cottage, Kiela tells Caz they must hide the spellbooks. As they drag crates toward the stairs, Larran arrives. Without demanding explanations, he simply helps haul the heavy crates down to her boat. Caz insists on staying with Kiela, claiming he is legally protected by paperwork from the head librarian, and the cactus—now named Meep—refuses to leave Caz's side. Larran volunteers to remain behind to delay and misdirect Radane if she comes, telling Kiela he'll "sell jam."

Kiela sails out of the cove with Caz and Meep, intending to find a hidden cave to stash the books. She reflects bitterly on imperial laws, believing knowledge should be shared with everyone. The mermaid and her merbaby appear; after Caz explains their danger, the mermaid leads them along the coast.

The mermaid guides them to a concealed cave Kiela recognizes as her father's favorite, hidden by an angled cliff wall. Inside, ancient magical paintings of flowers shimmer on the walls and ceiling—evidence of magic predating the empire. Kiela feels briefly safe, sheltered among proof that magic has always belonged to the islands.