Shallan, Adolin, Drehy, and the others finally reach the Azimir Oathgate platform in Shadesmar after a tense flight. Shallan notices that the beads clinging to her are actually creationspren, and then learns from the waiting guards that the giant Oathgate spren have stopped cooperating normally. When Shallan goes up to speak with them, she realizes Sja-anat has touched them. The spren now see human use of the Oathgate as bondage and intend to choose their own side.

That revelation lets Shallan understand the danger of the singer army moving through Shadesmar: the real threat is not the march itself, but that the army could be transferred into Azimir. The corrupted Oathgate spren agree to send Shallan’s group through "for now," but openly state that they will also transfer the singers when they arrive. Knowing she cannot solve this alone and that delay could cost them the chance to warn anyone, Shallan decides to use the Oathgate immediately and carry the news to Dalinar, Navani, and Jasnah.

After the transfer into the Physical Realm, Shallan is overwhelmed by familiar physical sensations and then suddenly manifests living red Shardplate around herself. Radiant takes control long enough to calm the armor, learn that the creationspren are forming it, and adjust it so it no longer crushes Shallan’s hair and satchel. Shallan understands that one of her recent truths has advanced her to the Fourth Ideal. The Azish force the group to wait through formal procedures before any second transfer, but their warning is already being sent onward.

While waiting in Azimir, Shallan and Adolin are reunited with Kaladin and Syl. Shallan and Adolin report the threat to Azimir and urge Kaladin to join the coming defense, but Kaladin says Dalinar has already given him another task: he, Syl, and Szeth are leaving for Shinovar to investigate events there and hunt Ishar. The parting becomes unexpectedly emotional. Shallan refuses to say goodbye and presses Kaladin into promising that he, Shallan, Adolin, and Syl will share drinks and laughter when all of this is over. Before departing, Shallan also discovers she can summon Testament as a Shardblade and briefly considers whether fighting with two Blades is practical.

Shallan, Adolin, Drehy, and the others finally transfer to Urithiru. Shallan is startled to find the tower warm, brightly lit, and vividly alive again, with an odd green-tinted light replacing the old dead stillness. She and Adolin prepare to join the coming strategy meeting while Shallan also turns her thoughts toward gathering the Lightweavers and dealing with Mraize. Back in Azimir, Kaladin watches Shallan and Adolin leave, accepts with relief that Adolin is better for Shallan than he would have been, and recognizes how much he has grown. Holding to a rare sense of peace and confidence, Kaladin joins Syl and Szeth above the highstorm and heads west toward Shinovar as Day One ends.