Taravangian, now holding Odium’s power, reflects on how difficult it has been to extend his control into Shinovar. Even though he already has plans in motion there and sees Szeth disrupting the land, Taravangian recognizes Shinovar as a warning: if he cannot focus on a distant corner of Roshar, he will never be able to dominate all worlds as he intends.

Cultivation appears and asks whether Taravangian has tried what she requested. Taravangian answers that both halves of his nature reject her hopes for him: his mind still concludes that conquest is necessary, and his emotions also demand it, though for different reasons. Cultivation then forces Taravangian to confront the real issue, reminding him that he once separately possessed a godlike mind and godlike emotions, but only now holds both at once.

That challenge makes Taravangian truly hesitate. He studies those resisting him and realizes he genuinely respects Dalinar Kholin and Jasnah Kholin, enough that their opposition makes him reconsider himself. In that moment of honesty, Taravangian admits that his stated reasons for conquest are incomplete: unifying the cosmere under one god and protecting his people may be true, but they are not his deepest motive.

Taravangian finally acknowledges the truth he had hidden even from himself. He wants conquest because someone will eventually seize that power, and Taravangian wants to be the one who does it; after years of making brutal sacrifices as a king, Taravangian also wants the reward of unrestrained achievement. Once Taravangian accepts that desire, his mind and Odium’s passion align completely. After one final thought about what Dalinar would do, Taravangian rejects Dalinar’s example, decides Dalinar is wrong, and fully becomes Odium. Cultivation trembles in disappointment and leaves as Taravangian begins his work in earnest, intent on teaching Dalinar and Jasnah the lessons he believes they need.