“—and the escaped prisoners, from when the prison was opened. Deciding on a case-by-case basis what they’re going to do.”

Chastity looked, studying Rain from a distance.

He looked… happy. Or maybe that was the wrong word. Relieved. Like a weight had been lifted. He looked a year younger, almost.

He wanted this. It weighed on him all the time, and now he wanted to go to jail, to atone.

Stop them. Say something.

She took Cassie’s hand, and squeezed it, hard.

He’s good to you, Chastity. He’s one of the only people who is.

Rain nodded, the smile dropping away. His expression was so serious.

The soldiers in armor approached. One pulled out a set of handcuffs.

You can hook him in. Give him your virginity. Play on his natural heroism. You can do something. Anything. Before he leaves and becomes someone entirely different.

I have to be good to him too. I have to let him go.

A hand settled on Chastity’s head, and she flinched. Her hair, which she’d just gotten right…

It was Aunt Rachel, because of course it was. The woman walked past Chastity, out of the stable, and toward Rain.

“Rachel,” Sabah called out. “Don’t cause a scene!”

Lily and Sabah pushed past Chastity on their way out of the stable, following. It was only after Cassie started following and pulled on Chastity’s arm that Chastity pursued.

One of the soldiers pointed his laser gun at Rachel.

“Don’t point a gun at me while you’re in my territory,” Rachel said, ominous. Some dogs were approaching.

“It’s okay, Rachel,” Rain said. “Guys, it’s okay. There’s no need for a problem.”

“What did you do?” Rachel asked.

“It was a while ago. I—the trial already happened. But the punishment was suspended. I still have years of my sentence left.”

“You told me you’d build my greenhouse,” Rachel said.

“I—I’m sorry.”

“I want him,” Rachel said. “He works hard, he can build stuff, he has skills.”

“This isn’t a negotiation,” the man in the suit said.

“I don’t care. I want him.”

“Excuse me,” Lily said, pushing past Rachel. “Um, it’s my understanding that Rain has been doing a lot of what he’s been doing out of a self-imposed community service.”

“He mentioned that. It’ll count for a great deal when it comes to the parole hearing, which would be in two years. I will make a note of it.”

“This is meant to be considered on a case-by-case basis,” Lily pressed. “Is there any leeway?”

“He’s accepted the terms. He pled guilty, he’s cooperating now.”

“He’s a minor,” Lily said. “He’s still under eighteen. He has no guardian. We could argue this.”

“I would have to stress… the ‘we’ is part of the concern here,” the lawyer said.

“Speak plainly,” Rachel growled.

“You’re—I’m sorry to say, you’re criminals. Villains. If you don’t mind my saying so.”

“I do what’s necessary. Nothing more, nothing less,” Rachel said.