Kaladin engages a new variety of Fused who appears as a red-violet ribbon of light, re-forming bodies at will. The Fused closes to grapple, repeatedly stabbing Kaladin’s neck to sever his spine and consume Stormlight. Kaladin counters with headbutts, Lashing tricks, and a Sylblade strike, learning the enemy can abandon bodies, teleport in bursts of three, and must refuel Voidlight.

After a tense aerial chase through fog, the Fused retreats, promising another encounter. Kaladin, exhausted and low on Stormlight, returns toward Hearthstone with Syl, who lightens the mood while urging him to rest.

Cut to the warcamps: Shallan, alternating between Veil and Radiant personas while wearing Chanasha’s face, pushes contacts tied to the Sons of Honor with bold tariff talk and an Urithiru connection. In a winehouse, her patience pays off; her drink is drugged, and she collapses, triggering the anticipated abduction.

Back at Hearthstone, Kaladin confronts six singer soldiers and swiftly defeats them, forcing a tactical withdrawal to a distant stormshelter with Abiajan’s help. He greets Hesina and Oroden, then checks on the hidden Herdazians—only to discover the famed Mink has slipped away, leaving a tarp dummy. Kaladin orders the guards to find him and relays Dalinar and Jasnah’s invitation.

Kaladin and Lirin clash over duty: Lirin condemns Kaladin’s soldiering and the death brought to town, while Kaladin insists on protecting people. Their argument is cut short as a massive flying platform, escorted by Windrunners, arrives. Kaladin reveals his solution: evacuate the entire town, honoring Lirin and Hesina’s refusal to abandon their people.