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.

“Even if we were to take a more probationary approach, which is one other possibility… someone on probation can’t associate with villains. I’m sorry. You could push for it to go to tribunal, it would be argued, but…”

The man trailed off.

Either way, I lose my friend, Chastity thought. The boy I like.

“I’m not a villain,” Lily said. She reached out for Sabah’s hand. “It’s already been established with the Wardens. My partner and I are leaving tomorrow. We’ll be bringing others with us, to establish ourselves in the city itself.”

“As heroes.”

“As heroes, with oversight. If it keeps Rain out of jail and keeps him in a place where he’s healthy, productive, and still working off his sentence by contributing to the community… jail won’t make him a better person.”

“Contributing to the community… but not as a cape.”