Vévoda looks at Sola, examining the threat that she poses. Sola holds the lighter with confidence; she is prepared to die in order to kill Vévoda and bring down his empire. Vévoda throws his gun down at S.’s feet and tells his guests to stop running around.

S. empties the gun and puts it in his belt. S. is aware that this is a pivotal moment in all of their lives.

Vévoda and his guests leave, making their way back to the world above. The monkey runs ahead of them and opens more barrels of black wine. The wine scorches their shoes, degrading Vévoda’s sense of power and authority.

The interaction between Sola, S., and Vévoda has resulted in a stalemate. It is interesting that Sola and S. do not kill Vévoda. Still, Vévoda’s ego has been seriously damaged.

The margin notes are written entirely in black. Jen and Eric’s handwritings are still distinguishable, but it almost seems as though they are using the same pen. It becomes clear that Jen and Eric are writing to each other even though they are in the same room.

Eric writes that he thought that Jen was working “in there.”

Jen responds that she couldn’t work because of the cold.

Eric writes that Jen chose this place.

Jen writes that Eric would have chosen the same place. It is interesting that Jen and Eric continue to have conversations with each other in the book even though they are physically together.

Eric writes that when he sees Jen’s face he can guess what she wrote in the book.Jen and Eric have become incredibly close; they know each other as writers. They can read each other’s faces and they know each other’s thoughts.

Jen writes, “I love you more every day we’re together.”

Eric responds that Jen had her “smartass” face on.

Jen retorts that Eric is not a very good reader.

Eric and Jen’s banter is witty and familiar and shows how far their relationship has come. Yet, there is a sad subtext underneath the banter, perhaps reflecting the desperation and hopelessness of their circumstances.