Shallan explores the vast Palanaeum, torn between her growing scholarly drive and her mission to steal Jasnah’s Soulcaster. She reviews secret sketches of Jasnah Soulcasting and studies her father’s broken Soulcaster, finding it outwardly identical to Jasnah’s. She imagines using Talus transformations to create valuable stone deposits to save House Davar, then steels herself to proceed despite guilt.

Searching the stacks, Shallan locates Shadows Remembered and is surprised to find it a collection of children’s folktales about spirits and Voidbringers, not rigorous history. Perplexed by Jasnah’s interest, she reshelves the book and returns to the alcove.

Kabsal is waiting with bread and simberry jam. Their playful banter turns to faith and devotaries; he urges her toward the Devotary of Insight and admits a desire to convert Jasnah. He claims to have evidence of the Almighty’s hand and prepares a demonstration.

Using a metal plate, sand, and a bow, Kabsal performs cymatics, producing precise patterns that match the layouts of Kholinar, Vedenar, Thaylen City, and Akinah. He argues that symmetry in cities, glyphs, alphabet, and ancient names—traced to the Dawnsingers—reveals the Almighty’s presence. Shallan is intrigued yet skeptical, suggesting a shared cause rather than proof.

Jasnah arrives, icily asks whether Kabsal can reproduce Urithiru’s pattern, and he departs, flustered. Afterward, Jasnah warns Shallan that Kabsal is interested because of Jasnah and will likely try to use Shallan—possibly by urging her to steal the Soulcaster—underscoring the danger of Shallan’s secret plan.