I think there's a part of Ortega that is vindicated when Step reveals themselves as a villain. Like, they knew they weren't retired, they knew they didn't give up, knew they would never stop fighting. They just happen to be on the other side now. It's a tiny victory inside a greater loss. That fire that Ortega admired didn't go out, it changed.
snake and poppies
One more for @xiranjayzhao's Iron Widow, because when I read the descriptions of Yizhi's tattoos I knew I had to draw it. (I think there were other flowers mentioned, but my copy is back home so I couldn't look it up). I am rather happy with this turned out. :)