Welcome back to Ashes of Midnight. Last time, Cynder and Scarlet Witch executed their plan to recover Agatha's memento from Caretaker's chambers. While Wanda kept everyone out, Cynder checked through the room and soon found the memento, a heart-shaped locket. But just as Cynder made her way out, Caretaker arrived. But thankfully, Wanda got her distracted allowing Cynder to escape, only for Spyro to spot her. But thankfully, Spyro is more than willing to keep this covered, so long as he's looped in. Cynder readily agrees to that, and soon is heading out to meet up with Scarlet Witch again once Caretaker is seen to be on her way back. So, what's next? Read on to discover...

(Our scene opens up outside The Abbey, where Cynder immediately meets up with Scarlet Witch back at Agatha's Shrine.)

Scarlet Witch: That had to be the most awkward conversation I've ever had. I don't want to do that again if I can avoid it.

Cynder: I'm with you on that one.

Scarlet Witch: If Caretaker finds out about the two of us...

Cynder: It's three, actually. Spyro's in on this now.

Scarlet Witch: (A little stunned) Well, if it's anyone, I'm glad it's him.

Cynder: So, what do we do now?

Scarlet Witch: I'll take the... what were we looking for anyways?

Cynder: (Takes the locket from her shadow) This locket.

Scarlet Witch: I have a feeling Agatha will be able to tell if that's what we need.

(At this point, Agatha Harkness' ghost appears, but still invisible to anyone but the reader.)

Agatha Harkness: That's the one alright, I can feel it. (To Scarlet Witch) Wanda, would you be a most faithful apprentice and place a ward upon it?

Scarlet Witch: On it.

(With that, Scarlet Witch uses her magic to cast a ward upon the locket)

Agatha Harkness: (Feeling the ward take effect) Good. Now, for step two. Do you remember the binding ritual in the Libris Inlicitus?

Scarlet Witch: The Gray Seneschal? But that's...

Agatha Harkness: Forbidden. I know.

Scarlet Witch: I was going to say extremely dangerous.

Agatha Harkness: Believe me, I wouldn't ask it of you if I didn't believe it was necessary.

Cynder: Admittedly I haven't read that book in a while, can somebody fill me in as to what that is?

Agatha Harkness: The Gray Seneschal requires an item which binds a spirit to a person or place. And that's where the danger comes in, because the first step is destroying that item. After that moment, the spirit in question is vulnerable to possession, dissolution, destruction...

Cynder: I'm not exactly comfortable with this. But if you two are willing to take the risk, then I guess I am too.

Agatha Harkness: That is a weight off my soul, Cynder. Once this ritual is completed, everyone in The Abbey will be able to hear and see me. I will be able to help in the darkest hour. We will do this when the moon is right, in a few days. But if Sara finds out before then, we're all done for.

Cynder: Right now the only ones here who know are Wanda, Spyro, and myself.

Agatha Harkness: He's in on this now? I knew I liked that boy.

Cynder: One question though, why is it essential that Caretaker knows nothing?

Agatha Harkness: The Gray Seneschal is her creation. She knows the risks, and there's no way in hell she'd let Wanda conduct this. Yet it has to be Wanda if we're to pull this off.

Scarlet Witch: Whoa, whoa, whoa, there's no way I'm putting Agatha at risk like that! Not after last time.

Agatha Harkness: Wanda, I'm afraid it must be you. This ritual's power lies in the inherent contradictions. And what could be a greater contradiction than...

Scarlet Witch: You being restored to life by the person who killed you. But... Agatha, if I lose control again...

Agatha Harkness: You won't.

Scarlet Witch: How are you so confident?

Agatha Harkness: Because you were always my greatest apprentice, because you learn from your mistakes, and because I want you to know I truly forgive you. The only way that can happen is for you to see it in my eyes.

Scarlet Witch: (Sighs) I still don't like this, but I'll do it.

Agatha Harkness: Good. Now it's about time you two got some rest. I'll go over the details of the ritual with you in the morning Wanda. And if Spyro's involved, he could easily help prepare the ritual site. I'll talk to him as well.

Cynder: Good to know. Thanks, Agatha.

(And with that, Agatha Harkness disappears again, and Scarlet Witch starts to panic slightly)

Scarlet Witch: Cynder, are you sure I can do this?

Cynder: Beyond doubt.

Scarlet Witch: Why? I want to know your reasoning.

Cynder: You were the only person who resisted Malefor's magic as one of the Fallen. Not even Spyro and I can lay claim to that.

Scarlet Witch: It wasn't enough.

Cynder: Correction, it was just enough. That's why you're here.

Scarlet Witch: I'll take your word for that. Then, it looks like Spyro and I have some preparations to do. Until the moon is right then.

Cynder: Until the moon is right.

(And with that, Cynder and Scarlet Witch part ways as our tale ends for today)

And that looks like a good spot to wrap for today. So, we've got the memento and a very risky ritual to pull off to get Agatha Harkness back to help the team out. But can Scarlet Witch really pull this off? We'll find out when the moon is right. But for now, we've got another mission to get back to. What's next then? Tune in next time to find out! Same time... same channel!