Welcome back to Ashes of Midnight. Last time, Cynder was able to get back up into the Sanctum Sanctorum, and with the enchantments gone was soon joined by Doctor Strange and Spider-Man, only for Lilith, Malefor, and Bruce Banner to set off some sort of gamma-magic bomb that opened some sort of breach to a demon world or something that ultimately blew the Sanctum Sanctorum to smithereens, and in it's wake, some sort of beacon-altar-thing was left behind, which Doctor Strange immediately recognized as a signature of Chthon, with neither Cynder nor Spider-Man knowing who that is but knowing for sure it can't be good. So, what's going to happen now? Read on to discover...

(Our story resumes back at the Abbey, where Cynder, Doctor Strange, Blade, Nico Minoru, Spider-Man, Iron Man, Captain Marvel, and Caretaker are meeting up to discuss the disastrous results of trying to take back the Sanctum Sanctorm)

Spider-Man: Well, I'll admit it. That really sucked.

Blade: Add about a dozen more "really"s and you've got the reality.

Captain Marvel: I never would have thought we'd lose the Sanctum. I'm in shock.

Doctor Strange: You're in shock? That was my entire life, ripped open and decimated before my very eyes. For the second time!

Blade: We need to have a serious conversation about Lilith and Malefor. They're way stronger than we anticipated.

Doctor Strange: We did everything we could and it still wasn't enough.

Iron Man: Lilith and Malefor are pains, for sure. But, right now they're both hiding behind our boy Bruce. And if he's the one giving them IT support, then that's a problem I can do something about.

(At this point, everyone looks at Cynder, who's been unusually quiet.)

Nico Minoru: What's wrong, Cynder?

Cynder: I... I failed. When everyone needed needed me most, I failed. What other way is there to describe it? I've failed not just you guys, but the entire world.

Caretaker: That's right. You did fail, all of you.

Iron Man: Yeah don't sugar coat it or anything.

Caretaker: If I can finish, Stark. Just because you failed, doesn't mean you've lost. That's the most important distinction to make out of this. This war is far from over, and tomorrow, we'll rise again like a phoenix from the ashes, ready to fight again.

Captain Marvel: I'm a little tired for a "hoo-rah", but I get the sentiment.

Doctor Strange: I appreciate the words of encouragement. It looks like we all need it.

Caretaker: For now, everyone go get some rest. The battle will wait until morning.

(With the hope of the troops somewhat restored, everybody leaves, except Cynder, who just stares out over the edge of the Abbey grounds, and Caretaker, noticing what's going on with her)

Caretaker: I'm starting to think having this discussion on a ledge was a bad idea.

Cynder: If I couldn't even save the Sanctum, how in the hell am I supposed to save Spyro, or Wanda, or any of them? (Starts sobbing) Some prophesized hero I turned out to be.

Caretaker: Don't you start with that talk. I know we haven't always been on the best of terms, but I need you to know this. The last few days, you've done something even I thought was impossible. You've changed me. The way I view you, this team, this whole thing. If you'd asked me about our chances a few days ago, I'd have said we were dead in the water. But you? You changed all that. Now we've honestly got a chance, and it's all thanks to you. Don't let one failure get in the way of that. I don't want to come across as insulting, but you and I both know that's not what Spyro would want from you. He'd want you to keep fighting. And so would Wanda.

(Cynder thinks about Caretaker's words for a moment, handling them against the call of the void below. But no matter how sweet the siren song is, Cynder resists the temptation to jump, and turns back towards the Abbey, wordlessly heading inside to sleep off this madness.)

Caretaker: (Looking on saddened) Please let that have worked. We can't lose you now.

(And as Caretaker follows Cynder inside, our tale ends for today)

And that looks like a good spot to wrap up for now. Admittedly nice words of encouragement from Caretaker there, even if it didn't take straightaway for Cynder, who looked like she was about ready to leap to her death off the edge of the Abbey grounds. And though Caretaker talked her down from the ledge, I wouldn't think she's beyond this state yet. We'll just have to see next time if Cynder pulls out of this. So be sure to tune in for that. Same time... same channel...