Carlos is covered in burns; Jay constantly looks over his shoulder; Evie eyes the food carts in the market with terrifying intensity but doesn't eat. Mal is only eight. She can't do anything to fix her crew. But she'll grow stronger. And when she strikes, the Isle itself will quake.
:::
Mal was the queen. That was a fact. She ascended to the height of Isle hierarchy by blood and broken bones and loyal allies. Allies who needed her in power. Allies she protected, and who protected her. Mal's kingdom was built on that: loyalty forged in the fires of Tartarus.