It would be hard, so hard, but...Billy trusted her more than just about anyone. And the entire point of their exercise yesterday had been to boost his confidence, hadn't it? He needed to think this through, like he'd thought through building a barrier. Billy whispered his thoughts.

"...I hope the others agree with you. Most of us know that nothing would've stopped her from racking up Violations, right? I could have left her to find someone else, but I didn't leave because I wanted to keep the others safe. Left alone, she could do so much.

But there's a good chance she'll attack me---not in a way that will earn more Violations for herself, but to make my life hell. Maybe she'll trick me into earning Punishment myself."

Billy shuddered, squeezing Katara's hand. "I'll wait and hope it isn't as dire as I fear. If it is, I'll have to be ready."

His other hand reached to squeeze Renne's paw in the affirmative.