Official Riftbound ruling

Speaking of Mel, can my opponent play Abandon on my spell while I control an empowered Mel, Newly Awakened? What happens?

They can play Abandon targeting your spell. On resolution, they will Predict, but nothing else will happen.

Mel, Newly Awakened says “your spells and abilities can’t be countered.” If the spell can’t be countered, Abandon will attempt to counter it and fail, and then it will replace the event of it being put in the Trash with it being returned to its owner’s hand. However, that event never occurred, so there is nothing for the replacement effect to replace. Thus, Abandon will resolve to no effect. The replacement effect only functions within the limit of the resolution of the ability (it’s not a delayed replacement effect that specifies a duration), so even if the spell resolves later, it will go to the Trash as normal.

Riot's question and answer, word for word, from theVendetta Rules FAQ and Clarifications

The cards

  • Abandon
    Abandon

    Spell

    Reaction (Play any time, even before spells and abilities resolve.)

    Counter a spell. Return it to its owner's hand instead of putting it in their trash.

    Predict. (Look at the top card of your Main Deck. You may recycle it.)

  • Mel, Newly Awakened
    Mel, Newly Awakened

    Unit

    When you play me, draw 1.

    Empower 3 Energy3 Energy (3 Energy3 Energy: Empower me. Use only if not Empowered.)

    Empowered Your spells and abilities can't be countered. If a spell or ability you control would give -MightMight to a unit it chooses, it gives an additional -1 MightMight.

More rulings on these cards