Chapter 206

The human forces execute a coordinated retreat from Narak, using Venli's chasmfiends to create the appearance of a devastating attack while they evacuate via the Oathgate. Sigzil renounces his Radiant oaths to save Vienta from Moash, resulting in the loss of his powers and bond. Shallan evades Odium in the Spiritual Realm and encounters Mraize in a vision on a beach.

The chapter unfolds across multiple locations. Venli leads three chasmfiends—Thundercloud, Skyblue, and a third—in a coordinated assault on the human position at Narak. The humans deliberately appear to flee in panic as the creatures destroy buildings and fortifications. Sigzil orchestrates an orderly retreat, maintaining a rearguard as soldiers cross a bridge to the Oathgate for evacuation to Urithiru. The Stormwall voices doubts but defers to Sigzil's command. As the last Windrunners escape skyward, Moash intercepts Sigzil using a fabrial that nullifies Stormlight, breaking his fall and crippling him. Moash attacks both Sigzil and his spren Vienta, intending to kill them both. Desperate to save Vienta, Sigzil renounces his Radiant oaths entirely, severing his bond and losing his powers. Vienta vanishes as a deadeye when Moash's knife strikes. Lopen and Bridge Four arrive to drive Moash away, and Sigzil is carried through the Oathgate, physically healed but spiritually devastated by the loss of his bond. Meanwhile, Venli oversees the chasmfiends consuming bodies left as part of the deception. El, the Fused commander, arrives and accepts the appearance of victory, ordering forces positioned to prevent human counterattack. The humans have successfully abandoned Narak while maintaining the illusion of defeat. In the Spiritual Realm, Shallan navigates possibility while evading Odium's attention, eventually emerging into a vision where she finds Mraize waiting on a beach beside an enormous dead greatshell.