Interludes

This chapter consists of two interconnected interludes. In the first, Shallan grapples with the return of her Formless persona while sheltering with Renarin and Rlain in a vision of the Shattered Plains, discovering that Ba-Ado-Mishram's presence is bleeding into their refuge and planning another attempt to stop the Ghostbloods. In the second, Adolin walks the plaza near the Oathgate dome in Azimir, exhausted after fending off another assault, and confronts Noura about isolating the young Prime Emperor, arguing that Yanagawn needs friendship rather than rigid control.

Shallan sits with Pattern and Testament in an idyllic vision of the Shattered Plains constructed from Rlain's memory, reflecting on her near-exposure to the gods during her clash with Mraize. She wrestles with the fear that Formless—a manifestation of herself giving up entirely—could resurface at any moment, but recalls Wit's words about not deserving her pain and resolves not to let that aspect of her personality dominate. Pattern comforts her, and all three—Shallan, Renarin, and Rlain—notice Ba-Ado-Mishram's face appearing throughout the vision's landscape, suggesting the god's prison is leaking. They retreat into a stone structure that was Rlain's childhood home, where he shares memories of being orphaned at age seven and raising axehounds alone. Renarin and Rlain's spren seem worried about Mishram's presence, and the group discusses whether they understand enough of the visions' secrets. They decide to attempt another ambush of the Ghostbloods in the next vision, with Shallan armed with her air-warping dagger and the two men finding weapons within the vision itself. Meanwhile, Adolin walks exhausted through Azimir's plaza after a long battle, reflecting on past failures including Kholinar. Noura approaches to request that Adolin stop corrupting the Prime, claiming the emperor needs careful guidance rather than friendship. Adolin pushes back, arguing that Yanagawn is a person who needs genuine companionship, not isolation. Noura reveals she fears Adolin will encourage the Prime to abandon his throne as Adolin himself did, but Adolin reframes his departure as understanding the difference between oaths and promises. He persuades her that loneliness breaks even strong people, and that he is uniquely trustworthy because he already walked away from power and wants nothing from the emperor. Noura does not call him back as he leaves, suggesting he has won some ground in the conversation.