Of the many magical storylines in Arcane, Mel Medarda's (Toks Olagundoye) intriguing connection to the arcane is one of the more unanticipated ones. During Season 2, Act 1, Mel's role in the story is primarily as a councilor, making difficult decisions for the benefit of Piltover until Episode 3. The episode opens up with a witch affiliated with the elusive Black Rose attempting to assassinate General Ambessa Medarda (Ellen Thomas). It vaguely introduces us to a feud that has claimed members of the Medarda bloodline and promises us dire consequences for Ambessa. By the end of the act, Mel is abducted by the Black Rose as their claustrophobic red magic completely envelops her, whisking her away to an unknown place.