Five and a half years earlier, Shallan sits mute in Davar Manor, newly old enough to cover her safehand, while staff prepare for guests. Maids whisper that Brightlord Davar killed his wife and her lover, which Shallan witnessed. Dissociated and withdrawn, Shallan feels invisible and powerless.

Nan Helaran arrives and brings her a satchel of thick drawing paper and charcoal pencils, urging her to practice and to be strong for their siblings while he is away. Shallan begins sketching, but her trauma surfaces; she draws bodies facedown on the floor. Helaran crumples the page, telling her to draw plants and animals—“safe things”—and promises vengeance must wait.

Brightlord Davar storms in, furious that Helaran planned to leave again. The confrontation escalates as Helaran calmly calls him a murderer. When Brightlord Davar threatens consequences, Helaran summons a distinctive Shardblade and levels it at his father’s chest, shocking him into silence. Brightlord Davar tries to protest and references Helaran’s “new friends,” but Helaran refuses to listen.

As Helaran prepares to strike, Shallan whispers “No,” breaking months of silence. Helaran relents, addresses Shallan gently, and says he will explain his work someday. He asks her to draw hopeful, fanciful things and leaves, vowing to return periodically.

After Helaran’s departure, Brightlord Davar erupts, smashing furniture in a violent rage. When his gaze falls on Shallan, the fury ebbs and he flees the room, leaving Shallan shaken and the household’s terror laid bare.