Mr. Today appears behind Alex, confessing to taking people’s memories. He invites Alex to walk with him. As they stroll toward the mansion, Mr. Today compliments Alex on the progress he has made in the past year and suggests they take a cruise on Claire’s boat one day, “maybe to one of the neighboring islands with whom we used to trade goods” (150). Communications with these communities have been cut off for years, he notes. 

The pair walks to Mr. Today’s office, and Mr. Today asks for honesty, asking Alex whether he misses his brother. Alex says no but admits to taking the blame for Aaron’s infractions. Mr. Today tells Alex that he made a noble gesture in taking the blame and then asks about his training. Despite the probing question, Alex does not tell Mr. Today about his work on a 3D picture of a door to Aaron’s room. 

Lani interrupts Alex on his way to the library to work on his painting. He tries to distract her with talk of lethal spells; she leaves, promising to help him with research. Putting the finishing touches to his painting, Alex is pleased with its realistic appearance. As he packs up, he hears Samheed’s

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