"That's probably for the best. 'Asti' gave magical gifts to those who were in charge of the children at the time." Valdis should be able to follow that through to the logical conclusion. It was worrying Raine more and more, these days, not just for Solomon's sake but because hers was so thoroughly woven into her own abilities.

But that she could come back to. Raine sat back, thinking over the request. It was a sensible one, all things considered, and she did not know Valdis well enough to call her a friend. There was little emotion there, nothing to compromise the idea that the city, innocents and combatants alike, needed to be kept safe. "All right," Raine said, after a moment. "Should you lose control of yourself and begin killing needlessly, I'll stop you. Lethally, if necessary." Given what photon had done, a holy lance should do the trick, if she could get ten or twelve uninterrupted seconds.

And it was better, that it would be her rather than someone who cared about Valdis. Perhaps that was a contributing factor in why Valdis had come to her, as well.