Chapter  384

 JEROME   "Those children aren't innocents," I snapped. "They're weapons. Enhanced individuals created by a facility that turned supernaturals into tools of war. Riley spent five years being experimented on. Lake was held captive and trained. They're not normal children having normal childhoods----they're tactical assets being deployed by progressive forces." "They're also five years old," Celeste said softly. "Regardless of their abilities or training, they're children. And killing children----even powerful ones----that changes what we are. Changes what this fight means." "Then what do you suggest?" I demanded. "We've tried direct assault. We've tried kidnapping leadership. We've tried creating fear through displays of power. None of it works because they have too many advantages. So either we find a way to neutralize those advantages, or we accept defeat." The room was quiet, everyone processing the implications of what I was proposing. "There might be another option," Celeste said s