Venli inspects a detailed model of Urithiru, then oversees a chamber where some fifty unconscious Radiants lie under guard. She notes that Windrunners tend to stir and mutter, and instructs Dul to try discreetly waking one to aid a future escape, reasoning their powers are suppressed. Seeing pressure sores and refusals of broth, she proposes placing a hidden human surgeon among them, both to help and to further her plans.

Crossing the atrium, Venli observes uneasy humans resuming commerce under curfew, then meets a team of Deepest Ones. They debate how to locate the fabrial nodes sustaining the shield around the crystal pillar, explaining that secretspren are useless within the tower-as-fabrial and that chaosspren now leave visible sparks. Realizing this concealment means Radiants—and she—can use powers without detection, Venli and Timbre are tempted to practice, though Venli worries about endangering her people.

The Deepest Ones ask Venli to interrogate humans about unattached large gemstones. She challenges the plan’s usefulness and discusses alternatives. The Fused explain they cannot see while embedded in stone and the tower’s design renders it “silent” to them; breaking rock risks severing the very connections they seek, potentially undoing their aim.

Pressed to “think like a mortal,” Venli withholds a suspicion that a node might be placed where storms could recharge it. The Deepest Ones independently reason the same and move toward the great window to search the exterior for a hidden gemstone, while Timbre pulses disappointment at Venli’s inadvertent help.

Left without further orders, Venli is intercepted by Mazish, who brings urgent news: another Listener has been found.