The introduction of the Black Rose in Arcane Season 2 has added layers of intrigue, particularly surrounding Mel Medarda’s story. But who exactly is Mel, and how does this secretive Noxian cabal tie into her past?
Who Is Mel Medarda in Arcane?
Mel Medarda, the daughter of Ambessa Medarda and sister to Kino Medarda, is a former Noxian turned Piltover politician. After being cast out by her mother for her perceived weakness, Mel carved a new path for herself in Piltover, using her political to become one of the city’s most influential figures.
While Season 1 painted her as an ambitious outcast, Arcane Season 2 reveals there’s much more to her story. The Black Rose, a shadowy Noxian organization tied to dark magic and manipulation, appears to have a vested interest in Mel. This connection becomes even more compelling when hints of a deeper family secret come to light.
The Black Rose and LeBlanc’s Role
In Season 2, Mel is captured by the Black Rose and imprisoned in a hidden chamber, where she encounters someone she believes to be her brother Kino.
However, this turns out to be a deception—Kino’s form is an illusion created by a Black Rose operative, likely LeBlanc. Known as the “Deceiver,” LeBlanc’s mastery of illusion magic has long been feared in Noxian lore, and her possible introduction in Arcane has League of Legends fans buzzing.
LeBlanc shares a story during this encounter, shedding light on Mel’s connection to the Black Rose. According to her, Ambessa Medarda had an affair with a man from Basilich, resulting in the birth of an illegitimate child. Initially, the Black Rose believed this child to be Kino, pinning their hopes on him as a potential asset. However, it’s revealed that the true offspring of this union is none other than Mel.
To add to the mystery, LeBlanc refers to Mel as “sister,” suggesting a familial connection. If true, this could mean LeBlanc herself is another of Ambessa’s disowned children, exiled like Mel but drawn into the Black Rose’s web of influence.
Mel’s Hidden Power
During her captivity, Mel unleashes an unexplained power to escape the Black Rose’s thorn-filled domain. This raises even more questions: What is the source of her power, and how does it tie to her lineage? Could it be tied to her connection with Basilich itself?
A moment from earlier in the series provides a potential clue. When Amara cryptically tells Ambessa, “What you’ve stolen is more precious than any gold,” could she have been referring to Mel—or the hidden power she carries?
Mel’s ties to the Black Rose remain shrouded in mystery. Is her power a result of her Basilich heritage, her connection to the Arcane, or something entirely different? And what role will LeBlanc and the Black Rose play in her fate?
With Arcane Season 2, Act 3 just around the corner, fans are eager to see if these secrets will finally be revealed.