From the books in the chapel, Raoden learns more about how the Aons are made, but not why they stopped working. Saolin tells him they no longer have enough men to hold back Shaor’s men. As they fear, an attack comes when Sarene appears with the food, though Eondel fights them off. Sarene is furious when Raoden admits he was withholding food from some Elantrians. She calls him a heartless despot. When Raoden realizes that Saolin has been wounded and has become one of the mindless Hoed, he is overcome with a sense of failure.

Sarene feels betrayed by Spirit, but confronts Iadon and prevents him from sending troops to destroy Elantris. She climbs the wall to look down at the city and sees Spirit cradling a fallen man. She is still fascinated with this mysterious leader, but decides never to see him again. She goes to her uncle’s and hears the surprising news that Hrathen was taken by the Shaod.