Welcome back to Ashes of Midnight. Last time, Cynder and Blade investigated HYDRA's smuggling route from the captured Sanctum Sanctorum, and of course, Fallen Venom showed up to cause trouble. However, during the attack, Cynder delivered a solid stab wound to Fallen Venom, and seemingly managed to spy some light in the darkness, before being forced off in an explosion of light, with Lilith's voice seemingly begging Cynder to stop Malefor. So, what happens now that the dust has settled? Read on to discover...

(Our scene opens up in The Hunter's quarters, with Charlie trying to wake Cynder up. Eventually, the hound succeeds)

Cynder: (Trying to figure out how she got back to The Abbey) What the heck just happened? How long have I been out?

(And now Cynder sees that one of her least favorite people right now is here, Caretaker)

Caretaker: It's been a few days. And as to what happened, do you mean before or after you exploded?

Cynder: Exploded?!

Caretaker: It's a long story, but thankfully, the collar is still intact.

Cynder: (Feels the Hunter's collar around her neck, with one notable crack in it) Well, save what feels like one crack.

Caretaker: Well when Agatha and I made the thing we didn't anticipate withstanding alien energy being a thing that would be necessary.

Cynder: It was more than Klyntar energy.

Caretaker: Well whatever it was, Venom didn't like it either. He ran back the way he came, which is how Blade was able to get you out of there.

Cynder: I know what I felt. The real Eddie and Venom are still in there. I can bring them out. I think I was close. Next time...

Caretaker: Next time, there will be no next time! You've been pushing yourself, and subtly so have I. But perhaps now isn't the time for that, at least until we can find a way to counteract this joint mystic-alien energy.

Cynder: You forget, Venom's not the only one with joint mystic energy.

Caretaker: Either way, I'm not letting you risk it.

Cynder: And who gave you any authority?

Caretaker: Look. We'll discuss this later. Strange and Stark have been chomping at the bit to talk to you. Wouldn't hurt to show your face, everybody's worried about you.

(Needless to say, Cynder refuses to just take things lying down, but still takes a minute to rest before she goes to meet with everybody. And everybody is here, even Captain America decided to join the party)

Doctor Strange: And you're sure this'll hold?

Caretaker: Would we be standing here if I weren't? You two focus on the creature, leave the collar to me.

Nico Minoru: Really haven't seen much from Blade.

Magik: Since he got back carrying Cynder on his shoulder.

Ghost Rider: He's just outside.

Spider-Man: And a little more brooding than usual.

Ghost Rider: Maybe you should talk with him?

Captain America: Not a bad idea.

Iron Man: All I'm saying is the Tower's lost, we're no closer to breaking through to the Sanctum, and our "Chosen One" is...

Cynder: Standing right behind you? And has heard every last word you said?

Captain Marvel: Won't lie, Tony. You kind of earned that one.

Caretaker: Good to see you're up and about. We were just discussing the situation.

Cynder: Then hear this. As much as I dread it, Tony's got a point. We can't afford to waste another second, and under the current guidance we're getting nowhere. So I've made up my mind As of now, I'm taking charge of this operation. Even you, Caretaker. If you've got a problem with that, shove it. So, get me an update. What're we working with?

(And as Cynder takes charge of the meeting, our tale ends for today)

And that looks like a good place to end for today. Admittedly not much, but after the last chapter ended on such a crazy and some would say explosive note, that seems fair. So, things aren't looking up for our heroes. But Cynder's taking charge, leaving Caretaker in the dust, and we're finally about to make some progress. So, will this change in leadership be enough to end Lilith and Malefor's reign of terror? Tune in next time to start finding out! Same time... same channel!