Venli arrives at the dramatically rebuilt Kholinar palace for a conclave of the Fused. Inside, she joins other Voices before the Nine, who are entombed in Soulcast pillars, subsisting on Odium’s Light. The Nine sing an alien song that Venli cannot interpret, signaling Odium’s direct attention. They call for reports on a clash in Alethkar, and Leshwi describes the human flying ship as a fabrial, not a Lashing.

The Nine lament human technological advances and ask about the suppression device. Leshwi confirms it worked but was captured. Lezian, the Pursuer, arrives, dismisses blame, and claims he was killed by a Windrunner of the Fourth Ideal, demanding the traditional right to pursue his killer. Leshwi quietly outlines his reckless history and asserts Kaladin is not Fourth and was suppressed during the fight.

Leshwi boldly challenges Lezian, claiming prior privilege to Stormblessed’s life because Kaladin once killed her. The Pursuer rages, proving his instability, and the Nine side with Leshwi, delaying his hunt. He storms out. The room’s reactions reveal schisms among the Fused, and Venli contemplates how such fractures might be used to secure freedom for ordinary singers.

Raboniel, the Lady of Wishes and a former member of the Nine, enters and proposes seizing Urithiru by inverting the tower’s suppression fabrial—luring away the Bondsmith and Elsecaller with Taravangian’s help and exploiting an inside agent to reach the Sibling’s heart. Vyre (Moash) warns about Kaladin, but Raboniel dismisses the concern. The Nine, seemingly prearranged, approve her plan.

Outside, Raboniel reveals her fear that humans will soon learn to imprison Fused in gemstones and declares this Return must end the war. Leshwi offers her elite staff, including Venli, to assist, angling to monitor Raboniel’s recklessness; Raboniel accepts. The Pursuer covertly petitions to join her. Leshwi orders Venli to serve Raboniel and report in secret. Venli quietly yearns for a listener homeland apart from both sides, but Leshwi cautions silence. Venli prepares to depart, seeing danger—and opportunity—in the looming assault on Urithiru.