Navani organizes her captive scholars under singer guard, staging busywork to mask inaction while she quietly consults the Sibling. She studies the lone Fused guard and learns from the Sibling that Raboniel believes the tower’s spren dead. The Sibling distrusts humans, but explains the barrier Navani raised: a Soulcasting-based shield that solidifies air like glass, fed by external Stormlight through three hidden nodes.

Pressed for vulnerabilities, the Sibling warns that Raboniel could locate a node and corrupt the tower further, and forbids destroying the remaining nodes. The Sibling reveals an ancient wound—when the singers were changed, the tower lost the rhythm of its Light—making it susceptible to Voidlight corruption. If the Voidlight were purged or the rhythm restored, the tower could defend itself again.

The Sibling reports two Radiants remain awake: a caged Edgedancer and Kaladin, whose bond to Adhesion and Connection might be protecting him. Meanwhile, Kaladin scouts the tower’s upper levels, noting false normalcy outside to mislead distant scouts. Unable to use Gravitation, he tests Adhesion-based powers and uses a Reverse Lashing to open lanterns, stealing infused gemstones for Stormlight.

Seeking supplies, Kaladin infiltrates the fourth-floor monastery, recruits ardent Kuno to quietly provide food and water, and gathers medical items for Teft. He returns to his hideout with provisions, guided by a faint garnet light. Through the Sibling, Navani establishes contact, briefs him on the inverted protections and the three critical nodes, and outlines goals: protect the Sibling, reestablish communication, and learn how the enemy powers Oathgates and spanreeds.

Kaladin agrees to attempt reconnaissance at night when usage will be harder to detect. The Sibling cautions Navani about her fabrial work, but concedes the Oathgates’ transformations were voluntary. With a lifeline to Kaladin and a tentative plan, Navani balances immediate defense of the nodes against the longer task of reclaiming the tower.