If an opponent plays Cleave or Whiteflame Protector targeting a 2 might unit, and you react with Gust targeting the same unit, does Gust return the unit to hand and nullify the Cleave/Whiteflame Protector effect?

Ruling: Yes, Gust resolves first on the chain, returns the unit to hand, and causes Cleave/Whiteflame Protector to whiff and resolve to no effect.

Sequence:

• Opponent plays Cleave or Whiteflame Protector targeting a 2 might unit
• You react with Gust targeting the same unit
• Gust resolves first (last in, first out)
• Unit returns to hand
• Cleave/Whiteflame Protector resolves but has no legal target, so whiffs

Nuances:

• All effects in Riftbound recheck legality at resolution
• The inverse is also true: if you Gust first to start a chain and opponent pumps the unit out of Gust's range, your Gust will whiff