Shallan hides in grief and self-loathing after Grund’s death, cataloging those she has lost and failed. Fearing the Unmade at the Oathgate and doubting Veil’s competence, she withdraws until Wit arrives. He reports the market men formed a militia, forced the Grips to yield the murderer, and recovered some food.

Wit asks Shallan to weave the story of the Girl Who Looked Up. Together they craft illusions: a lightless world, a towering wall, a child who questions fear and climbs despite warnings. Between jests on art and function, the tale reaches the wall’s summit, where Shallan admits the story’s darker turn—being told they are the monsters—prompting Wit to insist she is not.

Beyond the wall, God’s Light blazes; the girl steals a piece, brings storms and illumination that cannot be undone. Wit urges Shallan to live and let failures become part of her. He manifests two Shallans: one curled in self-hatred, one standing with self-forgiveness. He promises the real Shallan—the one standing—is worth protecting, then gives her Veil’s hat and departs into morning.

Shallan returns to the tailor’s shop, where Adolin embraces her and steadies her further. Marching interrupts them: Kaladin arrives with five to six hundred Wall Guard soldiers and Highmarshal Azure. As Elhokar appears, Kaladin announces they finally have an army and are ready to attack the palace.