The imitation's words told Raine this likely wasn't some dark mirror, a fear of what Jacob might become, but someone who shared his face and knew him. A twin, then. Family.

"As you pointed out," Raine said, "separation is not abandonment-- Jacob!" He went down and she was reaching for mana, instinctively shaping a healing arte, but without the focus of her staff it took a much more concerted effort, and when her mother spoke again it all apart, the familiar voice shaking her even if Raine had been resolved not to listen.

"What do you imagine you can do, Raine?" Virginia said, the lack of accusation still somehow worse than outright contempt. She bent then, laid a hand on the roots that held her, and they began to break away, severed, one by one. That wouldn't last much longer. "You can't help any of your friends."

Raine backed a few more steps up, gaze flickering between the manifestations of Malicant. "I'll find a way," she said, low. Determined to make sure they both came through this alive somehow. "Jacob. Can you hold on?"