When an opponent targets a unit with Deflect using a spell, and you counter that spell with Defy, does the opponent still have to pay the Deflect cost? Do they get the rune back if the spell is countered?

Question

Accepted Answer

Ruling: The opponent must pay the Deflect cost to finalize targeting the unit with their spell. If the spell is then countered by Defy, the Deflect cost has already been paid and the opponent does not get the rune back.

Sequence:
- Opponent pays the spell's cost and recycles to play the spell
- Opponent declares target (the unit with Deflect)
- Opponent pays the Deflect cost to finalize the targeting
- The spell can now be responded to (e.g., with Defy)
- If countered, the Deflect cost is not refunded