Shallan hurries to contact Mraize in private, but Pattern stops her to confess. He used the communication cube and a copied key—obtained with Wit's help—to speak with Wit. Because the Ghostbloods were spying on Wit, Mraize learned Shallan’s secrets. Relieved there is no human traitor among her friends, Shallan struggles with trust, then relinquishes control to Veil, who insists on transparency while noting the unresolved question of Ialai’s murderer.

Veil contacts Mraize and reports that the last human suspect in Lasting Integrity has been eliminated; either Restares is disguised or not present. Mraize acknowledges slow cross-realm intelligence, notes Azure was the last human to leave months ago, and doubts Restares would be a Radiant—though other Lightweaving and Honorblades complicate things. He urges Veil to secure Stormlight and warns that Restares is dangerous if cornered. Veil withholds Pattern’s confession about Wit, then ends the call when shouts interrupt.

Meanwhile, Adolin continues rigorous instruction in honorspren law with Blended, an inkspren emissary. She announces the trial will occur in three days and advises a trial by witness: three accusations on day one, Adolin’s testimony on day two, and rebuttal and judgment on day three. Though risky, this format best suits Adolin’s strengths given his limited legal command.

Blended cautions that honorspren define honor by their own perceptions and that all spren fear the risks of bonding humans. Adolin insists he must appeal to their sense of honor and mentions that his deadeye, Mayalaran, once spoke her name, which surprises Blended. They move to confirm the High Judge’s return.

At the gates, the High Judge arrives—apparently human. Veil presses Lusintia for answers, and the honorspren finally reveal the truth: the judge is Kalak, Kelek’Elin, a Herald who commanded secrecy about his presence. Veil recognizes him as the short Alethi man she has been hunting—Restares—realizing Mraize sent her after a Herald.