Part 2, Chapters 43, 44, and 45 Summary

An invitation from Conchis is waiting for Nicholas when he returns to the school, and he looks forward to his next visit. In the meantime he sends a letter to Alison, apologizing for what happened and saying he has every intention of loving her better when he returns to England. At the end of the week he returns to Bourani, where he's greeted by Lily and Conchis, who quickly excuses himself. Nicholas' and Lily's bantering, challenging, sexually-charged relationship picks up where it left off, as Nicholas lies about what happened in Athens, saying Alison called the trip off. Lily's reaction leads Nicholas to believe she cares for him enough to let him kiss her, which he does. She backs away, confused, but nevertheless agrees to meet Nicholas later that night at the Poseidon statue. At that moment Conchis appears...