Chapter 22

Adolin and Shallan share an intimate moment in a magical shower before Shallan rushes off to confront the Ghostblood threat. Meanwhile, Dalinar receives urgent reports of a three-pronged enemy offensive targeting Azimir, Thaylen City, and the Shattered Plains, and is mysteriously approached by a woman who appears to be Cultivation herself.

Adolin discovers the tower's hot water shower system and luxuriates in it until Shallan joins him. They share a tender moment together, discussing their relationship and Adolin's lingering anger at his father Dalinar for killing his mother a year prior. Shallan explains she must prioritize confronting Mraize and the Ghostbloods before they strike at her, asking Adolin to represent her at Dalinar's upcoming meeting and inform the Bondsmiths of her situation. Adolin agrees and they share an intimate kiss before she departs. In a separate scene, Dalinar moves through Urithiru's corridors at night with his guard Colot and Windrunner squire Kelen. Windrunner Sigzil delivers scout reports confirming a major coordinated offensive: approximately one thousand Fused are attacking three locations—Azimir, Thaylen City, and the Shattered Plains—each a critical stronghold of Dalinar's coalition. At least one thunderclast accompanies the Fused forces. Dalinar orders heightened security throughout Urithiru, including at the Oathgates and caverns. He encounters his grandson Gavinor, who is having nightmares, and briefly speaks with the nursemaid Mararin. As Dalinar prepares to ascend to his meeting, a mysterious Makabaki woman approaches him on the balcony. Her appearance and demeanor trigger deep memories, and Dalinar suspects she may be Cultivation, the third god.