Farid and Mo venture into Capricorn’s village. They hide under a metal grate alongside a small skeleton as voices approach. Mo praises Farid for his quick thinking.

Dustfinger hides in Basta’s house. He eats in Basta’s kitchen and frees Tinkerbell, who Basta has been keeping in a glass jug. He laments that they don’t speak the same language, and muses that if Meggie and Mo’s world had more fantastical creatures, he might’ve been able to settle into it. He debates running away, but not seriously, as he is still determined to stay near Inkheart. He tells Tinkerbell to stay in Basta’s house, and she stays by the window, “as if she [can’t] decide between the hot room and the strange freedom to be found outside” (474).

Fenoglio writes frantically, trying to come up with an ending he is happy with that will ensure their safety from the Shadow. Outside, Meggie hears the guards excitedly discussing the execution that will take place that evening. Finally, Fenoglio comes up with an ending that he is happy with. He gives it to Meggie to read silently. Mortola comes to collect Meggie and orders her to wear a white dress.