As Fused forces assault Urithiru, Venli remains with Raboniel in the basement, serving as attendant while the Lady of Wishes studies the tower’s murals and critiques human methods. The Pursuer arrives seeking leave to kill the Windrunner; Raboniel commands restraint and the collection of fallen Radiants but grants the Pursuer an exception. Venli senses Raboniel’s new, predatory rhythm from Odium and recognizes Raboniel—not the Pursuer—as the greater danger, while noting the Pursuer’s rigid obsession with tradition.

A Deepest One delivers an unfamiliar human fabrial, prompting Raboniel to order interrogations of the captive scholars. She confirms shanay-im used Vyre to activate the Oathgate and bring in troops, yet her focus is the tower’s knowledge. Raboniel explains that human audacity creates wonders the immortal Fused no longer imagine; she intends a partnership of utility to end the endless war, leveraging Urithiru’s fabrials and captured Radiants.

On the ground floor, Navani enters a battlefield strewn with burned corpses and coordinates with Battalionlord Teofil. They stage a feigned rout that draws stormform Regals into an ambush: lightning is pulled into wheeled metal pillars, and waves of crossbow fire break the assault. Teofil immediately pivots to push for the basement stairs; if Navani cannot reach him, he is to destroy the garnet construct suppressing Radiants. Navani gathers Stormlight and scribes to activate the Sibling’s fail-safe.

Higher in the tower, Kaladin quietly distributes blankets, water, and food to refugees while Syl warns of invisible voidspren patrols. A stormform Regal challenges and strikes at him; Kaladin reflexively blocks but then submits to avoid revealing himself. He suppresses the urge to draw Stormlight, keeps his cover as a surgeon, and continues aiding the civilians.