Yeah I agree.

It's easy to feel invincible when you've become a magical girl. But apparently maidens are glass cannons at best.

Cinder did show signs of self-doubt at the beginning of volume 4. She was at a very vulnerable state.

It was really interesting to see the character humbled and broken like that, without her facade.

Salem was able to guide her right back to being angry, though. xD She knows how to take advantage of Cinder's determination.



I'd like to think Cinder still had some of her 'old self' left before becoming a maiden, and that

finding two allies that have been through a lot of shit resonated within her.

The external pressure from Salem &her council and Cinder's need to prove she's not useless or destined to fail sealed her fate.

After this sweet little moment with the girl whose story hit too close to home, Cinder will solely focus on her mission and start hiring more people.

Cinder can't let her emotions guide her if she wants to become feared and powerful.

Emerald, of course, will desperately try to find ways to get Cinder's attention.