Sophie visits Dex in the working-class city of Mysterium, where his family lives and operates the Slurps and Burps apothecary. Her arrival generates stares and whispers. She finds Dex working with his father, Kesler. While he changes, Sophie chats with Kesler about limbium. Kesler explains that it is “the root point of any special ability” and not “to be tampered with lightly” (95). They use only a small amount in their elixirs, but even this would be fatal to Sophie.

When they’re alone, Sophie asks Dex what he remembers about their kidnapping. He recalls the pain he endured and Mr. Forkle’s help and encouragement, which Sophie doesn’t remember. Dex says Forkle believed in Sophie, and it helped calm Dex too.

Dex’s memory convinces Sophie that the Black Swan can’t be murderers. She privately wonders if the compass charm is a clue to help clear their name. Dex is working on a gadget to transmit his thoughts technologically. Sophie prods him to accept technopathy training, but he’s adamant that another ability will manifest.

Sophie is horrified to learn that she’ll have to wear a mastodon costume for the Opening Ceremonies at school.