It does not deter that terribly twisted spirit, that stands there, staring them down with her empty fire-lit eyes. Her burning ember skin. Cracked and twisted with heat.

Lakshmi swallows, unable to take her eyes off her even as - even as she knows she must be gripping Magni too hard, her muscles straining inside of her skin like she can't be kept. So desperately tense, so ready to move, do something, anything.

But like watching her city burn, all over again, she is helpless.

The spirit does not leave.

Rather, when it becomes apparent it will not go, Lakshmi steps back, detangling herself to turn her back on it. That it becomes apparent.

When she steps, it steps with her.