15. Brightness Radiant

Shallan and Adolin discuss the murders of Sadeas and Perel, then Adolin insists on teaching Shallan how to use her Shardblade. To cope with the psychological weight of wielding the weapon, Shallan transforms into a new persona called "Brightness Radiant"—a composed, Jasnah-like version of herself—and trains with Adolin for several hours.

Shallan reviews murder reports with Adolin in her room, theorizing about the deaths of Sadeas and Brightlord Perel. While Adolin suggests two separate murderers may be responsible, Shallan notes the striking similarities in method and location. She considers whether other deaths among lower-status individuals might have gone unnoticed. Adolin then reveals his real purpose: he wants to teach Shallan sword combat because she possesses a Shardblade through her bond with Pattern. Though he frames it as progressive—rejecting gender conventions—Shallan inwardly recoils, her thoughts turning to her murdered parents and the guilt she carries. When Adolin leaves to fetch sparring guards, Shallan experiences a panic attack. Unable to bear the weight of her own identity while holding the weapon, she creates a new persona through Stormlight manipulation: Brightness Radiant, a poised, confident woman modeled after Jasnah. As Radiant, she can interact with Adolin without the crushing psychological burden. They spend the next hour training, with Adolin teaching her basic stances, footwork, and the philosophy of swordmanship. During the lesson, Shallan occasionally allows her true self to surface, particularly when sketching Adolin. The training extends late into the evening. Adolin leaves energized by the session, and Shallan returns to her room in an uncharacteristic state of peace, having successfully deferred her tavern investigations for the night.