An epigraph warns that a captive Unmade must be released or remain imprisoned forever. In Urithiru’s infirmary, Venli breaks down after confirming a note on a stolen Shattered Plains map: a group of listener nomads survived in the hills. Rlain finds her crying, astonished at her rare display of emotion.

Prompted by Timbre, Venli confesses everything to Rlain—how a human woman gave her a sphere, how she enabled the Fused, and how Thude and many of Eshonai’s friends refused stormform and escaped. Rlain’s rhythms turn from shock to anger; he calls her a monster and holds her responsible, though he admits the enemy might have found another way.

Rlain reports that Kaladin and Teft are awake and that there is a plan to wake the Radiants, but the stormform guards must be removed. He urges Venli to help as proof of remorse, warning that seeking the survivors now could lead the enemy to them. Venli, driven by the need to confirm the survivors and see them herself, refuses. Rlain departs bitterly, saying he never understood true betrayal until now.

Venli then coordinates with Dul and Mazish, who have quietly stockpiled rations, water, blankets, and clothing—with Harel preparing packs. Using the writ of authority from Raboniel, Venli plans to pass the Oathgates to Kholinar, then slip east into the wilderness, ultimately aiming toward the Shattered Plains without revealing the listeners’ location to the Fused.

Accepting the risk that Raboniel knows of the survivors, Venli intends to leave within a day or two under the cover of the humans’ imminent attempt to rescue the Radiants. She pushes forward despite expecting condemnation from the survivors, resolved to find them—especially her mother, Jaxlim, who may be the only one left who might still love her.