The Wards' base was buzzing with tension. Armsmaster stood at the head of the room, his expression colder than usual. Beside him, Miss Militia looked equally grim, arms crossed. Well, she'd never seen that woman smile in person, anyway. Probably reserved for photo ops and promotional crap.

Not that it mattered. It wasn't her business. Better someone professional and direct than a time-waster.

All the members of the Wards were present. Aegis, because he was the leader and this was his business, naturally, and even Browbeat, who would still be the rookie if it weren't for her arrival. But there was one notable exception: Gallant.

Where the hell was he?

She had focused on Vista, Clockblocker, Kid Win, and, of course, Shadow Stalker. She hadn't spoken much with the others, but at least she had seen them. And no one mentioned him to her. She had thought of plans to handle his power, reading emotions, and felt frustrated that she couldn't put them into practice and prove how good they were. Taylor made a mental note. She would try to bring up the subject as tactfully as possible, in case it was something serious. But not today.

"Shadow Stalker," Armsmaster said, his voice like steel. "We need to talk."

Sophia frowned, crossing her arms. "What's this about?"

"We've received troubling reports about your behavior during patrol last night," Miss Militia said, holding up a tablet displaying the photos Taylor had taken. "Breaking property, intimidating civilians, and evidence of unauthorized actions tied to this storage unit. Care to explain?"

Sophia's eyes widened as she stared at the images. "That's not me! I didn't do any of that!"

A very convincing argument—like a little girl saying, "Mommy, mommy, it wasn't me!" with her hand still in the cookie jar.

"Then who did?" Armsmaster asked, clearly skeptical.

Sophia looked around the room. Who was she even looking for? "This is bullshit!"

Clockblocker raised an eyebrow. "Really? Because, uh, it looks like you."

Sophia glared at him. "It wasn't me! I don't even use that storage unit anymore!"

Taylor, sitting quietly in the corner the entire time, spoke up. "Shadow Stalker, are you saying someone's impersonating you? That's… unsettling." Her tone was calm, concerned even. If anyone noticed the glint of satisfaction in her eyes, no one mentioned it.

Sophia rounded on her. "Don't even start, Loki. I know you're behind this!"

Taylor blinked, feigning shock. "Yes, that's your answer for everything lately. How could I possibly pull something like that off? I don't have the skill—or the motive. Or do I?"

Sophia fell silent.

Of course she kept her fucking mouth shut. What could she say? "Of course you have a motive—I caused your Trigger Event!" That would destroy her career instantly, ruin her entire life. Sophia couldn't even defend herself properly, terrified of the trump card Taylor held—one she'd surely play if cornered. A girl as simple as Sophia couldn't pull that off, but that's what Sophia was thinking, naturally.

Sophia looked around the room, her desperation growing as the others exchanged uneasy glances. She couldn't expect support from a single Ward. Not after last time. She had no one to turn to. Helpless, isolated…

Just like Taylor had been.

"Sophia." Aegis stepped forward and placed a hand on her shoulder, trying to appear friendly. Trying to carry out his role as leader. It was obvious that Sophia didn't appreciate the attempt. "Enough, okay?"

"I see you don't believe me either. But you never have, have you, Carlos? You're all talk. Nothing more."

"Don't push it, alright? I'm the leader here. I'm on everyone's side, that includes you, even though it often seems like that bothers you. All I'm saying is that you don't have to make this harder than it is. Just admit it. Everyone has bad days."

Sophia didn't say anything.

But, to Taylor's surprise, she looked away.

Miss Militia's expression softened, but her tone remained firm. "Shadow Stalker, until we can investigate this further, you're being suspended from active duty. Hand over your gear."

Sophia's fists clenched, but she had no choice. She ripped off her mask and slammed it onto the table, her glare burning into Taylor.

Taylor met her gaze with a small, satisfied smile. "I'm sure it's all just a misunderstanding."

As Sophia stormed out of the room, Taylor leaned back in her chair, content. The Trio had taught her how to tear someone down piece by piece, and now she was using those lessons to perfection. Sophia had been weak. Easy to manipulate, easy to crush. She'd let them destroy not just her life, but her pride, turning her into a shadow of herself. Now their roles were reversed. The star athlete of Winslow that all the boys wanted to fuck was nothing in the middle of the Wards.

That's why she was likely the only Ward not attending Arcadia. Winslow was the perfect environment for her.

Surrounded by the same human garbage, she could shine simply for having longer legs than most. Surrounded by rich, preppy kids would be another story. She'd have to watch her words, lower her head, and play the game instead of staying above it. Taylor knew that was what Sophia truly couldn't stand. Being prey instead of the predator.

She suspected there were prey like Taylor had been—to scorn and mock—and useful prey like Emma, whom she tolerated because they made life easier.

Sophia could probably easily become the useful prey of some rich girl and coast through life consequence-free.

But being downgraded was intolerable. To her, being prey was the same as being dead.

That's why this was the best revenge. She'd reduced Sophia to prey, with no way to defend herself, and no one suspected a thing.

Forcing her to live with that was far worse than killing her outright.

Death was the end of everything—joy and suffering alike. It couldn't serve as proper punishment.

Taylor…

No, Loki now had a glorious purpose.

—

Taylor and Vista sat side by side on one of the couches in the Wards' lounge, the faint hum of the television in the background. Most of the team was elsewhere—Clockblocker and Kid Win were tinkering with some gear, Aegis had gone back home, and Shadow Stalker was on a long patrol. To cool off. And to hide from her, no doubt. Vista looked relaxed, though there was still a bit of tension in her shoulders that Taylor easily noticed.

It was the perfect time to do what she'd been planning.

"Thanks for sitting with me, Missy," Taylor said with a soft smile. Even the way she acted lately was an illusion—subtle, without distracting flashes or smoke. There was very little genuine trust left in her, carefully faked brick by brick. The Trio had seen to that. The persona she presented now (gentle, hesitant) was far closer to Taylor than Loki.

Though there were parts of Loki in there too. It was hard to tell where one ended and the other began.

Vista waved a hand. "Don't mention it. It's nice to talk to another girl sometimes. You've been settling in pretty well, huh?"

Taylor nodded. "Yeah, it's been… nice. Honestly, better than I expected. I thought it'd be high school again, but smaller and more fucked-up, pardon my French. I never thought I'd feel like I belonged anywhere again. Everyone's been welcoming." She paused, letting a slight hesitance creep into her tone. "Well, mostly everyone."

Missy sighed. "Sophia."

"Yeah," Taylor said, looking down at her hands. "I mean, I get it. She's tough, and she doesn't trust easily. But…" She trailed off, glancing at Missy as if debating whether to continue.

Vista tilted her head. "But what?"

Taylor hesitated, then let out a small, self-deprecating laugh. "It's silly. I don't want to make it a thing."

"Taylor," Missy said gently, "you can talk to me. I know she can be… intense."

Taylor sighed, as if she were reluctantly opening up. "It's just… Sophia reminds me of someone from my past. Someone who wasn't exactly kind to me." She gave a nervous chuckle. "She probably wouldn't believe it, but she was part of the reason I triggered."

Vista blinked, her brows furrowing in surprise. "Wait, really? Sophia?"

Taylor's eyes widened, as if realizing she'd said too much. She quickly shook her head. "No, no. I didn't mean— It's not important."

"Taylor," Missy said, her tone serious now. "If she was involved in your Trigger, that is important."

Taylor bit her lip, looking torn. "I… I don't want to make trouble. I just… When I see her, it's hard not to think about everything that happened. You know?" She looked at Vista, her eyes slightly watery, as if she were trying to keep her emotions in check.

Missy placed a hand on her shoulder. "I get it. That kind of thing doesn't just go away. But if she really was part of what happened, you shouldn't have to keep that to yourself."

Taylor shook her head firmly. "No, please. Don't tell anyone. I don't want it to look like I'm trying to sabotage her or something. I just… I thought you'd understand. I haven't really had anyone to talk to about this stuff. It's… nice, having another girl around. You know, I'm not… attractive."

"You're not ugly either. Don't be like that. Most people are just… normal. If you wore makeup… Though I can't help with that."

"Thanks, but that's not the point. I'm not attractive. I'm not very feminine either. So I'm not used to having female friends. Friends in general. You know?"

Missy gave her a small smile. "I do understand. And you can talk to me anytime. I won't tell anyone if you don't want me to."

Taylor smiled back, her expression softening into something almost shy. "Thanks, Missy. That means a lot."

Vista squeezed her shoulder, and they sat in companionable silence for a moment. Taylor leaned back, letting herself relax.

Vista wouldn't say anything. Taylor didn't want her to—that would end the game too soon. And now it'd be impossible for Sophia to exploit the youngest, most vulnerable member of the group, turning her against Taylor. If Sophia knew how to play her cards, if she were smart enough to realize she had cards, she could've turned Vista into her most loyal follower. Sophia was a nasty bitch, a rough woman, but a soldier. A 'badass'. Exactly what little Missy wanted to be in many ways. If Sophia weren't a fucking animal, if she softened, if she gave Missy what she wanted occasionally, Taylor could see the girl justifying her and learning to look the other way regarding Shadow Stalker's many flaws.

That's why Taylor had to put a stop to it.

Now that Vista knew Sophia had caused her Trigger Event, there was no way she'd ever see her as a friend. If there was one thing all parahumans shared, it was that pain. Taking that information lightly would be like spitting on her own suffering. Vista was still young, not yet jaded or cynical enough to do that.

Besides, she was a good kid. Not everything was part of the plan.

Taylor wanted to be Vista's friend. She wanted Vista to like her, accept her.

Vista wouldn't take what she gave and use it to break her heart, like Emma had.

—

"Dragon, are you awake?"

The second monitor came to life. Dragon's face appeared on the screen. Well, he had never seen her true face. She had probably suffered mental or physical injuries in the fall of Newfoundland. Armsmaster didn't care about that kind of superficial thing. His friendship with Dragon wouldn't change no matter what state she was in.

However, he wasn't good at talking.

It was a miracle he hadn't ruined his relationship with Dragon already, for some other reason. So he had decided to avoid such a complicated topic. She would have her reasons. Eventually, she would get over it. He supposed.

"Yes, don't worry. You know I don't sleep much. Is something wrong, Colin?"

"Yes. I need you to review the blueprints for my lie detector." He hated to admit it, but he had no choice. Dragon was one of the few Tinkers he trusted completely. One of the few people, to be honest. His pride was wounded having to admit that she could improve his work, but if it weren't for her, he wouldn't have admitted it in the first place. Unless it was strictly necessary, of course. He was a professional. He could put personal feelings aside for the good of the mission. "I thought I'd done a good job, but I'm getting...confusing readings. I'd really appreciate your help."

The Dragon on the screen nodded. He suddenly wished intensely that he could see her in person. It was a stupid wish, though. He wasn't a bad friend to Dragon from a distance. But if she had to live with him, she would soon get tired of him.

Most people did. He wasn't blind to the pattern, to the fact that he was the common denominator. The only problem was that he didn't know what to do about it.

"No problem, but what made you doubt it's working properly?"

Armsmaster sighed.

"Problems with the Wards."

"Shadow Stalker again?"

"Yes, but not in the way you think, for a change. Well. Not entirely."

Armsmaster explained the accident as briefly as possible.

"According to the detector, Shadow Stalker was telling the truth when she declared herself innocent. I'm not sure if I buy it, but that's not the point. Supposedly Taylor wasn't lying either, neither now nor when she demonstrated her powers, so what am I supposed to believe?"

"Either it's failing because Shadow Stalker is guilty or because Taylor is. I understand. Yes, it's a difficult situation. Have you considered that it might be working perfectly? That they're both telling the truth?"

"Of course. But I'd rather not. That would complicate things a lot."

—

The clatter of dishes and silverware. The distant chirping of birds and what sounded like an enthusiastic cat on the prowl. Taylor and her father were sharing a dinner that seemed ordinary, though the weight of everything that had changed could fill an abyss.

As she ate, Taylor studied her father, wondering how much he suspected.

Since Mom's death, he'd always been confused and lost. Maybe he suspected nothing. Of course, she didn't speak about her plans. It was impossible for him to suspect something like this. She meant the way she'd changed since that day.

When they'd come home early and found her on the brink of hysteria, using her powers without truly understanding what was happening to her.

In the end, she decided it was possible. He could be perceptive when it came to his daughter.

"So," Danny said, finally addressing the elephant in the room. "How are things with the Wards?"

Taylor shrugged.

"They're fine. Everyone's nicer than I expected, willing to do whatever it takes to help me fit in. I've made friends with Vista. She's a sweet girl. Well, I get along with almost everyone, but you know… It's nice that it's not just boys."

"Yeah, well. The other girl, Shadow Stalker, sounds like a pain in the ass."

Danny tensed immediately, as expected.

"What's she done to you?"

"Nothing, nothing. She's just an unpleasant bitch. Aggressive. Thinks she's better than everyone else, you know. Reminds me of someone from school. Well, from Winslow." That piece of trash wasn't her school anymore. Small mercies.

"Should I talk to the Protectorate, Taylor? If she's bothering you—"

"Dad. If that were the case, I'd tell you. Trust me. It's not me specifically. No one likes Sophia."

"That's good. Anyway, you know what I mean."

"Of course. I understand perfectly. Look, I'm sorry I didn't tell you what happened before. I was wrong. For a lot of reasons. But things aren't the same now, Dad. I have powers now. You think I'm going to bow my head to anyone? Besides, if Sophia becomes a real problem, I won't even have to do anything. She's on probation. You know? One misstep and she's out."

Dad nodded slowly.

"Okay. I trust you, Taylor."

That's the root of all your problems, Dad, Taylor thought. You trust the wrong people too much. That trust, that honesty—it just marks you as a target. The world devours people like you and spits out their bones.

Luckily, you have nothing to fear from me. I'll only lie for your own good.

They moved on to safer topics after that. Taylor was relieved Dad had dropped the subject. Truthfully, she hadn't even lied—Sophia wasn't a real problem yet. But she didn't want to keep talking about it. She preferred lying by omission rather than outright.

It pained her, even though it was for his own good—even though it would only make him worry unnecessarily or maybe blow up, complicating things. Complicating a simple, effective plan that was nearly complete.

Soon, Sophia would be no one's problem except her cellmates in some prison or mental institution. Either way. In prison, if you weren't crazy before going in, you'd be crazy by the time you got out.

After dinner, Taylor offered to wash the dishes. The least she could do since she didn't know how to cook. Still, Danny insisted on doing it himself. Sooner or later, he always gave in. Usually sooner.

Soon, she thought, watching Danny shuffle through paperwork at the table. Sophia's already cracked. A little more pressure…

Her fingers tightened around the sponge, green light flickering faintly in her palm before dissolving.

And she'll shatter.

I don't even have to worry about cornering her so hard she Triggers. Haha.

—

"Sophia, how are you…?"

Sophia ignored her mother, heading straight upstairs and slamming her bedroom door. Just to leave no room for doubt.

"Always the same with this girl."

Don't pretend you don't prefer avoiding me, Sophia thought. Don't pretend you're not relieved.