By candlelight in Lasting Integrity, Shallan and Adolin assess Testament’s slight recovery and Maya’s transformative testimony, daring to hope deadeyes can be healed. Shallan stabilizes herself after merging with Veil, acknowledges she holds two Shardblades, and notes gaps in her past. With Kelek’s help they opened Mraize’s cube, freeing a timid seon, Ala. Kelek’s comments link Mraize’s hunt to Ba-Ado-Mishram’s imprisonment and its ancient consequences.

Shallan contacts Mraize through Ala and declares she has merged Veil and is leaving the Ghostbloods. She reveals her brothers were extracted earlier by Pattern and Wit, then confronts Mraize about seeking Ba-Ado-Mishram’s gemstone and vows to find it first. Mraize warns of the Ghostbloods and Thaidakar; Shallan rejects their influence, relays Wit’s taunt, and ends the exchange as Mraize declares war. Adolin, buoyed by success exposing honorspren leaders, looks forward as Lasting Integrity reopens and honorspren reconsider bonds. Shallan resolves to return to Urithiru and pursue broader horizons.

Elsewhere, Venli approaches the listeners’ camp alone and faces bows until Thude recognizes her Light. She learns Jaxlim lives but is mentally broken. Venli admits her role in returning the gods, explains the Fused, and proposes protection through Radiant bonds with Reachers, offering time and choice and introducing a cometlike Reacher spren seeking a listener.

Led into camp, Venli rushes to Jaxlim and invites the Reacher to begin bonding, hoping healing will follow. She sings the Song of Mornings, rallying listeners to the rhythms, though Stormlight does not immediately take. Venli pledges to restore the songs and bring allies, including defectors who have chosen to become listeners, while Thude remains cautious.

Thude reveals unexpected strength: chasmfiends now aid the listeners, explaining their earlier escape. As this emerges, Jaxlim’s eyes focus and she speaks Venli’s name. A distant feminine voice confirms Venli’s Words are accepted, signaling the start of a new bond and the first steps toward Jaxlim’s healing and the listeners’ rebirth through Radiance.