114. Broken Gods

Navani disconnects from the Sibling after their bond and performs a mercy killing on the mortally wounded Raboniel using anti-Voidlight. Meanwhile, Taravangian—rendered intellectually diminished on a day of low cognitive capacity—is confronted by Szeth, who demands answers about how Taravangian knew details of his past. When Odium manifests during their struggle, Taravangian seizes Szeth's terrible sword, stabs the god, and after being killed by Szeth, ascends to godhood himself by absorbing Odium's power.

Navani emerges from her bond with the Sibling feeling diminished but retaining some connection to the tower's crystal systems. She encounters the severely wounded Raboniel in a hallway and learns that the Fused has created anti-Voidlight—a substance that can permanently kill spren. Raboniel, knowing she will go mad if reborn with her soul nearly burned away by the anti-Voidlight that destroyed her daughter, begs for mercy. Navani affixes the anti-Voidlight to a dagger and, singing in harmony with Raboniel one final time, gives the Fused the death she requests. Navani then leaves the body with a note and departs to restore order to the tower. In his isolated location, Taravangian awakens in an unusually stupid state, finding a note from Renarin Kholin saying "I'm sorry" along with two glowing gemstones. Confused and emotional, he is startled when Szeth bursts through his door as a highstorm approaches. Szeth demands to know how Taravangian knew his father was dead and that Ishar had reclaimed his sword. When Taravangian pleads with Szeth not to break the gemstones, Szeth shatters them, releasing strange windspren. Szeth accuses Taravangian of manipulating him into murdering monarchs and breaking his honor. As Taravangian attempts to flee, Szeth overpowers him, slamming him against a wall and breaking his shoulder. Odium then manifests in golden light, angry at losing his champion and bound by an unwanted agreement, interrogating Taravangian about possible betrayal. In this moment, Taravangian feels an unexpected surge of bravery. Szeth stabs Taravangian in the chest as Odium pulls him into the space between worlds. There, Taravangian seizes the terrible sword from Szeth's side and drives it into Odium's chest. The sword drains the god's power, killing the person who held it and leaving a vacuum of divine essence. As Taravangian dies from Szeth's blade, the orphaned power—seeking passion and emotion—envelops him, and he ascends to godhood, becoming the new Odium.