Arthur finds himself deeply conflicted and introspective during a pivotal moment in 1872 by the River Tigris. Accompanied by Leila, a member of the Yazidi community, he explores his excavation site, where she shares insights into Yazidi spiritual beliefs, including the concept of “axiretê,” which refers to the next world. Leila emphasizes the idea that every Yazidi should have a spiritual sibling, someone with whom they share a profound connection in the afterlife. She humorously speaks about her “heavenly sister,” someone who, according to her beliefs, will transform into water after death, meeting her again in the afterlife. While Leila speaks with playful warmth, Arthur becomes uneasy. The mention of death evokes discomfort in him, compounded by the earlier unsettling divination Leila shared. Despite his strong desire to comfort her, Arthur is held back by the rigid Yazidi customs, which prevent him from offering the solace he wants to provide.

As the conversation continues, Arthur’s own grief surfaces, allowing him to open up in a way he had not expected. He shares the painful memory of his younger brother’s tragic death from contaminated water, a loss that has haunted him for many years. This event, one that Arthur feels guilty about, has shaped his worldview, and he reveals his deep regret over not being able to save his brother. Leila, listening with empathy and understanding, helps Arthur confront the emotional weight he has carried for so long. The depth of their connection grows as they exchange their personal losses. However, their conversation is interrupted when Arthur receives an urgent summons from the Pasha of Mosul. This sudden shift forces Arthur to leave his reflective moment behind and step into a more confrontational reality, where his connection with the Yazidis becomes a point of contention. At the Pasha’s residence, Arthur is subjected to intense scrutiny and derision for his association with the Yazidis, who are derogatorily labeled as “heathens” and “devil-worshippers.” Despite the harsh treatment, Arthur stands firm in his defense of the Yazidi people, asserting his desire to engage with their culture and language, even though it places him at odds with the authority figures around him.

The tension in the Pasha’s residence reaches a boiling point when the high qadi arrives, bringing with him an even more hostile attitude toward the Yazidi community. The qadi dismisses the Yazidis as inferior, with a cold remark that lying to them is permissible, signaling a profound disrespect for their humanity. Arthur’s concern for the Yazidis intensifies, as he realizes the threat to their safety is growing with each passing moment. His mind races, torn between his duty as an archaeologist and his moral obligation to protect the people he has come to admire. After leaving the Pasha’s residence, Arthur returns to the Yazidi village, contemplating whether to share the troubling details of his encounter with the sheikh’s family. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the situation, Arthur finds solace in the work he’s doing, especially when he uncovers a crucial fragment of the Flood Tablet that ignites his passion for further research. While the academic discovery provides a moment of relief, Arthur’s thoughts are consumed by Leila, and he is forced to confront the growing feelings he has for her. This emotional realization forces Arthur to navigate the complexities of their connection, especially considering their cultural differences and the fragile nature of their bond. The chapter culminates in a poignant moment when, in a dreamlike and unexpected gesture, Leila kisses Arthur on the cheek. This tender action leaves Arthur feeling a mix of elation and uncertainty, as he contemplates what their connection truly means and what lies ahead in the uncertain future of their relationship.