Seven and a half years earlier, Venli infiltrates forbidden halls in Kholinar to collect gemstones Ulim says were hidden by his agent, Axindweth. Ulim admits he has lost contact with her. In a privy, Venli finds a coded note revealing Axindweth was discovered and has fled, leaving no gemstones. Ulim erupts in agitation, then abandons Venli, who is soon caught by a human guard and taken to a bearded officer.

At the guard post, the officer decides to hold Venli until after the treaty signing. Ulim returns in panic, claiming multiple Heralds are in the palace. An imposing man—Nale—arrives, presents a seal of deputation, and legally requisitions Venli into his custody. He intimidates Ulim and questions Venli about returned Voidspren.

Venli evades, reflecting blame back on Nale. He rants about Gavilar’s forbidden designs and a treaty clause allowing legal preemption with proof of conspiracy. Nale instructs Venli to buy a Shin slave in the market who bears Jezrien’s Blade and is highly trained, asserting this will provide the grounds she needs. He then pardons Venli under code provision eighty-seven and departs.

Afterward, Ulim praises Venli’s manipulation of Nale and fixates on the opportunity. Though Venli protests starting a war, Ulim reenters her gemheart and reframes it as a necessary preemptive act: proof of human betrayal will drive the listeners to desperation and acceptance of forms of power.

Torn but craving strength, Venli accepts the plan. Attuning Destruction, she resolves to act, setting the course toward provoking conflict to save—and elevate—her people.