Marla had followed Lucky through every battle, every mystery—but guilt festered in her. She still blamed herself for Umbrael's return, having once studied forbidden magic that cracked the realm's protection.
She vanished one morning, seeking penance. Lucky followed her to the Ruined Rookery, where Marla stood before a black obelisk that pulsed with raw magic.
Marla was trying to bind Umbrael's essence alone.
"No," Lucky said, stepping between her and the spell. "You don't fix the world by breaking yourself."
Marla broke down. For the first time, she let herself cry. And Lucky, who once followed her, now held her.