An epigraph vows brutal truth. In the evening at Urithiru, Shallan and Adolin analyze reports: Brightlord Perel’s body was found near where Sadeas died, both killed and posed the same way. Adolin argues there could be two murderers or a copycat; Shallan suspects overlooked victims among the lowborn and plans to investigate taverns. They pause the inquiry for the night.

Adolin then raises a sensitive topic: Shallan’s Shardblade. His enthusiasm to train her clashes with Shallan’s trauma, and when he steps out to fetch sparring guards, she spirals—gasping, panicking before a mirror. Pattern, alarmed, offers to leave and die, which cuts her deeply.

To manage the panic, Shallan sketches and Lightweaves a poised alter—“Brightness Radiant,” modeled after Jasnah. Adolin returns to find her composed. She summons Pattern as a Blade, noting he can dull his edge, and declines the metal guards. Adolin summons his Blade and prepares to instruct her.

Adolin teaches stance, safety, and basic strikes, speaking reverently of Blades and dueling tradition. Radiant performs simple forms; Shallan sketches Adolin’s posture to internalize the movements. They discuss the nature of Shardblades and the Knights Radiant. Alternating between Shallan and Radiant as needed, she enjoys the shared focus and intimacy. She defers her tavern investigation to another night and, unusually, sleeps peacefully.