Chapter 1

A petite figure strode down the Watchtower corridor, her hands by her sides and her mace slung over her hip. The redhead disregarded the hushed whispers of the heroes she passed by.

"Why on Earth is she here?" a young woman queried behind the redhead.

"Likely to monitor her," her companion replied. "After all, they say to keep your enemies close."

Shayera's fists tightened at her sides as she approached the conference room where she was to join Superman and the other founding members of the League she had once belonged to.

She cast a glance over her shoulder, her lip between her teeth. A young girl in an outfit similar to Superman's, but adorned in white instead of blue, stood nearby. Her companion was another young woman clad in a blue jumpsuit dotted with white stars.

The two heroes closed their mouths upon realizing that the Thanagarian had stopped and turned to face them. "What, traitor?" the shorter blonde inquired.

Shayera shook her head. She had no time to defend herself to these two. The redhead often questioned her reasons for being there. It had only been a week since her return to the league, and she already anticipated the impending confrontation.

The Thanagarian resumed walking towards the conference room, now within sight. Shayera clenched her fists, feeling ill-prepared to face her former friends and teammates. She knew some welcomed her return, while others did not.

Before she could knock, the door opened. "Come in, Shayera," Superman's composed voice echoed from within the vast chamber.

With a deep breath, Shayera stepped into the room. Her emerald gaze swept the assembled members, noting the presence of every league member, including the brooding figure of Batman. Diana, seated beside him, regarded Shayera with a simmering gaze, understandable given the events of the past.

Despite the cool reception, Shayera couldn't help but notice the welcoming smile of Superman and John Stewart, who sat between Diana and himself. "No doubt it was their suggestion to invite me back," she mused.

Her eyes fell upon Flash, his exuberant smile tempered by the restraint of his seat. Unable to resist, he beamed at her, eager to break free and embrace her.

Shayera's gaze lingered on J'onn, who offered her a warm smile. She wondered about his thoughts but found solace in having friendly faces among them.

"Welcome back to the League, Shayera," Superman greeted, receiving a nod from Shayera at the end of the table.

Shayera opened her mouth to speak, but Superman interjected, "As John mentioned earlier, you left before we could inform you of the vote."

Shayera nodded, maintaining silence until Superman concluded. She then glanced at John, who smiled at her again.

"If you choose to fully return, you will regain your position as a League founder," Superman replied. "It wasn't as though you were expelled from the League."

Shayera nodded in acknowledgment, her gaze meeting Diana's disapproving glare. Undeterred, she held her ground.

Diana voiced her objection, "Are you certain, Superman? I believe it's inappropriate for a traitor to maintain the title of a founder."

Shayera's glare intensified, but she refrained from any verbal provocation. However, before she could respond, John interjected.

"What do you mean?" the Green Lantern inquired. "The decision to have Shayera remain was a unanimous vote," he emphasized, his gaze fixed on Diana.

"She left the league on her own accord," Diana retorted, her harsh glare fixed on Shayera. "And need I remind you of her betrayal?"

Flash glared at Diana. "She acted on her conscience. I'm certain you would have done the same if the Amazons were under siege and facing the loss of their home."

Shayera's gaze lowered to her feet as she listened to the exchange. She met Diana's softened gaze after Flash spoke.

"Enough!" Superman interjected. "It's settled. Shayera will rejoin the league."

Diana remained silent as Superman spoke to Shayera.

"Shayera, are you willing to return?" Superman inquired, causing both women to avert their gazes.

"Yes, Superman. I promise to work diligently and avoid breaking your trust anew," Shayera pledged.

Diana prepared to respond, but Superman interjected, "Excellent. We will commence your preparation for missions. You must familiarize yourself with the other League members."

Shayera acquiesced, though she harbored no desire to meet the new members. Nonetheless, she resolved to endure it for Superman's and the others' satisfaction.

"Fortuitously, we have a minor mission for you to embark upon," Batman said, his voice breaking the silence. "Mission?" Shayera repeated with curiosity.

Superman nodded. "Yes, just a small one. Diana and John will accompany you."

Shayera nodded in understanding. "You can choose two more members," Superman said. "And I would like you to try to interact with the other members. Make friends among the Leaguers."

"I'll try, even if it seems unlikely that any of them would want to befriend me," Shayera said, though she whispered the last part so no one could hear.

Superman nodded. "Alright, I think everyone can go. You may leave as soon as you are ready."

Shayera nodded and turned to John. "We'll meet at the jet in an hour," he said, getting up and heading out. She anticipated seeing the other woman she had encountered when they faced Grundy.

Diana rose, her expression sour. "Do not be late," she growled icily, her gaze piercing Shayera.

Shayera returned her glare. "Rest assured, I will not," she retorted, following the others out.

Feeling uneasy, Shayera entered her quarters. "Shayera, wait!" called John. "May I assist you?"

Shayera stopped, her eyes meeting John's. "It's good to have you back on the team," he said, smiling.

Shayera glanced around, noticing the stares. "Thank you, John," she replied, her discomfort evident.

John nodded and watched the woman he had once loved turn and head into her room. "Don't worry about the others," he said to her before the door closed behind Shayera.

Shayera leaned against the door after it shut and sighed as she heard John's footsteps fading. She pressed her hand to her chest, needing to compose herself. It was just a mission, and it would be over soon.

"A mission with a group of people who despise me, except perhaps John," Shayera whispered to herself. She glanced at the clock.

"Maybe I can do some warm-up exercises before the mission starts," she murmured. She frowned, unsure why she felt the need to prove her worth to everyone.