In the dramatic sixth episode of Shadow and Bone's second season, Alina and Baghra embark on a quest to uncover the elusive Firebird. Baghra solemnly warns that, if necessary, the corrupted Kirigan must be stopped, as his Merzost-tainted power surpasses even hers. Her only hope is to locate the Firebird and break this fatal bond before it's too late.
Mal, a renowned tracker, struggles to trace the Firebird's elusive trail, yet even his skills are tested. As they sit together, Baghra reveals a profound secret: her father was none other than the Bonesmith, Morozova. For Baghra, returning to his workshop is not a homecoming, but a return to the site of a devastating crime. As a child, she lost control of her powers, inadvertently striking down her own sister.
The pair arrives at the workshop, its eerie similarity to the waterfall where Kirigan discovered his mother adding to the intrigue. Baghra uses her blood to unlock the door, leading them deeper into the mysteries within. Alina peruses the documents scattered on the table, while Baghra searches an adjacent passage. In a tender moment, Alina and Mal reaffirm their undying love for each other before the true challenge unfolds.
Baghra examines the bones buried beneath the workshop with a heavy heart. She curses her fate, realizing her sister's remains are not among them. Instead, Morozova had harnessed his powers to resurrect her sister, leaving Baghra to bear this burden for a lifetime. A startling revelation dawns on her: her sister had children, and her power had been passed down through the generations to this day.
And so, the identity of the Firebird is unveiled. It is Mal himself, the orphanage he found "feeling right" now a testament to the forces that guided him to the Sun Summoner. Malyen Oretsev, the Firebird.
Inside, Kirigan surprises Alina with another psychic assault, boasting that he has slaughtered the First Army Camp at Keramzin and will not relent until he attains his desired goal. She stands no chance against his overwhelming magic. As Kirigan holds Alina in a vise-like grip, Mal and Baghra arrive, horrified to see her entranced state.
With a decisive move, Baghra ignites the workshop, deeming they have secured what they seek. She touches Alina's shoulder, emerging before a bewildered Kirigan. The Darkling is perplexed until Baghra's smirk reveals she possesses her own tricks. She makes the ultimate sacrifice, severing the connection between Alina and Kirigan, allowing Mal to snatch a weakened Alina and flee to safety. As her final act, Baghra labels her son foolish and slices off his hand, a devastating yet noble conclusion to her heroic deeds.
As Kaz's influence fades, the group remains unconscious, each succumbing to their own hallucinations. For Tolya, it's a haunting replay of stabbing his sister, while Jesper finds solace in a conversation with his mother, reconciling their differences and embracing his true calling. His mother's words resonate, urging him to be true to himself. Wylan, armed with explosives, arrives at the workshop and manages to blast a hole through the door.
With everyone still unconscious, it's Inej's sheer willpower that breaks the hallucinatory spell. She informs Wylan of their poisoning, and miraculously, he finds flowers outside that contain the antidote they desperately need. A stroke of luck indeed! As Wylan hands over the flowers, the group slowly regains consciousness.
Kaz and his comrades lie still, awaiting Ohval's return. When she arrives, she senses Inej immediately, sparking a fierce battle. Despite being outnumbered and ambushed, Inej holds her own, swiftly turning the tables on her attackers and using their weapons against them.
As despair looms, the real Disciple arrives, wheeled into the courtyard. It is Ohval's husband, the reason behind her relentless fight. Her love for him spans years, and their bond is forged in steel, specifically in the blade of Neshyenyer, the last piece he stole for her before their retirement. Tolya realizes the legend of the fierce warrior who fought for three days and nights with a powerful blade is actually a reference to Ohval herself. After besting all enemies, she laid down her sword. "Sanktar Neyar," Tolya whispers, kneeling before her. The Crows follow suit, paying their respects.
Tolya attempts to broker a deal with Ohval, explaining they only seek to borrow the blade. With Alina's partial Shu blood, she could be the bridge between Ravaka and Shu. Ohval considers, delivering a profound speech on the essence of love and life, before bidding everyone farewell, save for Jesper.
Ohval speaks candidly to Jesper, acknowledging his Durast heritage and urging him not to squander his talent. Jesper knows he has much to learn, but he holds the blade as a beacon guiding him on the right path. Moreover, he finally confesses his true feelings to Wylan, and the two share a tender kiss, a moment long teased throughout the season. However, for Inej, hope clouds judgment, and she refuses to be consumed by her feelings for Kaz.
Meanwhile, Alina learns the truth about Mal's role in this conflict, shattering her heart. She tries to dismiss it as a Darkling's ruse, but the reality is undeniable. Facing the inevitable end, the pair finds solace in each other's arms.
As the episode draws to a close, Vladim sprinkles his mother's bone dust on Kirigan's severed wrist. The moment the dust touches his skin, Kirigan witnesses Baghra's final moments, revealing that Mal is the Firebird. A sinister smile curves his lips, foreshadowing a world of trouble for our characters as the ultimate battle approaches.
