Shadow & Bone: Why Alina Couldn't Hurt Inej With Her Powers
In Shadow and Bone season 1, why don't the powers of Alina Starkov (Jessie Mei Li) negatively affect Inej Ghafa (Amita Suman)? The two female characters share a near-violent moment in the sixth episode, «The Heart is an Arrow,» and their encounter ends with the Sun Summoner fleeing to safety. Shadow and Bone season 1 initially reveals that the Dregs' plan is to capture Alina for a reward, but Inej lets her go as a gesture of faith.
«The Heart Is an Arrow» changes the entire storyline in Shadow and Bone season 1, and Inej's motivations are teased in the previous episode, «Show Me Who You Are.» During a public light display, Alina proves that she is indeed the prophecized Sun Summoner, but doesn't realize that the Dregs are plotting to kidnap her. When Kaz Brekker (Freddy Carter) and company track down Alina, she immediately senses danger and refuses their offer to guide her through the Fold via a secure route. Alina then uses her light powers on the group, and seems entirely perplexed by Inej's ability to weather the storm, along with her display of peace.
Related: Shadow & Bone Glossary & Vocabulary Guide: Grishaverse Terms Explained
Inej's genuine faith in Alina makes her immune to the Sun Summoner's powers. In Shadow and Bone episode 3, «The Making at the Heart of the World,» the Dreg reveals that she wears a Suli token of faith that was personally stitched by her mother. When Inej was kidnapped as an adolescent and sold to The Menagerie, she relied heavily on her sole possession which gave her strength to endure physical and emotional abuse. By «Show Me Who You Are,» Inej's intuition informs her that Alina is the real deal. Inej is always guided by her deep faith, and her purity of heart becomes especially important
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