Determination is indeed will - specifically, the will to persist - in this case, to exist.

The figure is pulled toward her - and as it moves, it changes.

The child's form frays at the ends, like static, shifting in all directions - before finally compressing into a small, glowing shard that floats into Ibani's hand.

The feelings of fear and grief begin to melt away, and from them emerging a sense of safety and peace.