Lily was framed during a high-stakes rescue at the Aether Heights Laboratory. A villain known as The Glitch

In the aftermath of the incident, both Lily Rader and Cinder faced severe backlash from the public and the superhero community. Many fans expressed their disappointment and disillusionment with the two individuals, who had previously been respected and admired for their contributions to the world of superheroes. The incident also raised questions about the pressures and stresses of being a public figure, as well as the responsibilities that come with influencing and inspiring others.

The paradox of Cinder’s myth was that the very disgrace that threatened to destroy Lily made her more effective. The public’s distrust allowed her to operate in the margins; their fascination ensured that when she acted openly, shelters and hospitals found their supplies mysteriously replenished. The scandal that should have disempowered her instead reallocated power—less as a mantle and more as a tool wielded in secret.