The Well of Ascension

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of death.

Straff is incensed at Zane’s perceived failure to kill Vin (Zane never actually intended to kill her) and his wasting of six Allomantic warrior lives. Although Straff cares nothing for the Allomancers as his children, he sees them as valuable military assets. He is increasingly worried that he will lose the ability to control Zane, at which point Zane may kill him.

The newly crowned Penrod seeks out Straff at the city walls and promises to turn over the city in exchange for certain promises, many of which Straff refuses. Straff offers to let Penrod rule Luthadel under Straff’s authority if Penrod finds and gives Straff the atium stash. Straff avoids moving into the city just yet, fearful that Vin will find and assassinate him.

Zane reveals that he poisoned Straff again, and Straff—believing that Zane is mentally unwell—uses his ex-mistress’s antidote yet again. He determines that he is no longer safe; he must have Zane killed.

When Vin finally wakes from the coma she fell into after burning using too much pewter in the battle with Straff’s assassins, Elend tells her about the vote. When he unconsciously flinches at her touch, Vin believes that he sees her as a monster.