#it wouldn't even hamper Malina

[black-rose-writings]

Antis: The Darkling is an evil manipulator who wants to control and enslave Alina and destroy the world!!!!

Meanwhile Baghra and Mal, in canon:

Mother of Monster

Siege and Storm- Chapter 14

Awww!

Playing a victim, aren't we?

Sure, Baghra can mistreat Aleksander- he's her son-, but the moment he strikes back, all hell breaks loose. Not to mention his "punishment" takes form of a childhood trick she herself could at least attempt to dispel, except that would require her to summon, and she'd lose her veil of victimhood. And why give up her badge of authenticity?

How hard is she NOT summoning, if it aged her up so badly?

This is Aleksander's punishment for disobeying her- speeding up her withering away. She used to be constantly cold, but youthful. Does that mean she's avoiding summoning to prevent accidentally or instinctively clearing her own eyes, so now she's quickly aging as a welcome side-effect?

Look what you've done to me?! Your own mother! Your only constant companion!

There's no mention of nearness to merzost having effect on aging. It's draining the person using it, so even if her blindfold couldn't be removed by Baghra herself (Arguable, given her age, likely knowledge and set of powers.), she shouldn't look like shit due to its presence.

Did he finally achieve what he attempted all those years ago?

Is his grasp on merzost so strong he can truly manipulate it for his purposes like his grandfather did?

Is he truly a leap closer to getting what he fights for?

Am I insignificant to him now?

As if she ever acted with loyalty or support towards him and his cause.

A bit of blaming, drama and loving mother's dehumanization. She sure know how to play at Alina's already existing prejudice and fatalism. Can't wait for the girl to repeat those words...

I wish... yet the great villain will abandon his successful siege to attempt saving her, and grieve for her, no matter the mistreatment she offered him.

Sacrifice suggests intention. Baghra didn't know what will be Aleksander's reaction, we have no idea, what her expectations looked like, so assuming she's some tortured heroine, martyr to a cause, is erroneous.