On an obsidian rise, Zu points out a Tukari caravan that continues to trail the group. Adolin notes their Stormlight is nearly gone and opts not to confront the twenty pursuers, recalling Notum’s guidance that the Tukari may legally use the road. He organizes the march, checks on Maya riding the midnight stallion Gallant, then returns to the column.

Shallan, juggling Veil and Radiant, shadows Beryl under the pretense of Lightweaving lessons. Beryl struggles to create anything beyond self-illusions, while Veil privately admires her composure and questions whether Beryl is really the spy. The trio debates Mraize’s possible misdirection and resolves that only hard proof will suffice. Exhausted, Shallan lets Veil take point.

Adolin pulls Veil aside to strategize for Lasting Integrity. He rejects lavish gifts as potential bribes and weighs abject pleas versus rational arguments. Radiant favors reasoned appeals and notes the honorspren’s isolation as a logical stance, while Adolin worries they have rehearsed every argument for millennia and that standard letters will fail.

Realizing they need surprise or exceptional delivery, Adolin asks to speak with Shallan. Radiant reports Shallan is retreating and “tired,” heightening Adolin’s concern that something is wrong despite earlier improvement during the voyage.

Veil explains Shallan’s trauma, her fear that the persona others love is false, and the belief that a hidden “monster” is her true self who will drive people away. Adolin listens, promises unconditional support, and asserts she need not face this alone. Veil believes him, ending with hope that Shallan can accept she is not alone.