Play by the one-dash rule: use the first E to make contact and keep the second for the flash follow, minion-or-ally re-angle, or the exit after R, because Nilah often loses fights when both charges are spent just to arrive
W is strongest as a contact spell—press Jubilant Veil once autos and dive follow-up are actually landing, ideally after brushing an ally so the mist spreads, because that is when Nilah turns a brawl into her fight
Lane is mostly an HP-for-levels calculation: drop the CS that costs too much health, then pre-step the level-up so 3 or 6 immediately creates dash range, and recent data says Nilah still cashes those even or slightly losing starts better than several other short-range bot carries
Use W once the fight is already sticking, not as your ticket to start walking forward. The best spots are when their ADC has committed to autoing, their diver has already reached you or your support, or you can brush an ally on entry so both of you get the mist. If you cast it too early, they back up and wait it out; if you cast it after contact, you usually blank the part of the trade that actually mattered. In lane, that often means dashing first and W-ing during the return damage. In teamfights, it often means pressing it as the scrum closes, not while everyone is still spacing.
Nilah gains increased experience from last-hitting minions along with the ability to enhance and share nearby healing and shielding from her allies.
With a snap of her whip-blade, Nilah damages any enemies she hits in a straight line in her chosen direction. This action extends her attack range for a short duration.
Nilah envelops herself in mist, increasing her movement speed and allowing her to gracefully dodge all incoming attacks. Any allies she touches during the mist's duration will also gain this effect.
Nilah enthusiastically dashes toward her target, dealing damage to any enemies she passes through on the way.
Twirling her whip-blade in joyful exuberance, Nilah deals damage to enemies around her before pulling them closer with her weapon.