39. Invasion

The chapter opens with the investigation of an explosion that kills two scholars and destroys Szeth's Voidlight sphere in Navani's tower, prompting her to begin inquiries. Simultaneously, Venli participates in a Fused invasion force that breaches Urithiru's basement, where Raboniel corrupts the tower's central crystal pillar to invert its defenses and neutralize the Radiants' abilities. Meanwhile, Kaladin spends time with Bridge Four members discussing his recovery and commitment to helping battle-shocked soldiers.

Navani arrives at the destroyed laboratory where lensmakers Nem and Talnah were killed in an explosion while studying Szeth's Voidlight sphere. Despite the devastation and loss, Navani suspects foul play rather than accidental detonation and orders Rushu to meticulously catalogue the wreckage. She then moves to interrogate a mysterious voiceless prisoner who had delivered a ruby, sensing a connection between recent disturbances in the tower. Venli participates in an arduous infiltration through tunnels beneath Urithiru with Raboniel and a force of stormform singers and Deepest Ones. After hours of grueling ascent, they emerge in the tower's basement chambers where Deepest Ones silently eliminate guards and scholars. Raboniel approaches the crystalline pillar—the tower's heart—and infuses it with Voidlight while singing an unknown rhythm, corrupting its defenses to neutralize Radiants and invert the tower's protections in favor of the invaders. She commands the singers to signal the outer forces and seize the city. In the winehouse, Kaladin drinks with Teft and Rlain, discussing their shared trauma and Kaladin's efforts to establish a support program for battle-shocked soldiers. Despite internal resistance, Kaladin acknowledges that talking and accepting help are beginning to repair his own psychological wounds, recognizing that his weakness enables him to aid others who suffer similarly.