Chapter 293: Captured Shadow

 XENOIS   "Damn right I would have," I confirmed. "Because it was reckless and dangerous and you're children who shouldn't be fighting ancient supernatural creatures."   "But now you have a prisoner who can give you information," Lake pointed out. "Now you have leverage and intelligence and a chance to understand what you're fighting against. We did that. We gave you that advantage."   I wanted to argue, wanted to explain why the ends didn't justify the means, why their safety mattered more than tactical advantages. But looking at their faces----so serious, so certain of their actions----I realized this would be an ongoing conversation, not something I could resolve with a single lecture.   "Third," I said instead, "I need to know what else you installed in this house without telling us. What other modifications did you make? What other equipment did you bring from the facility?"   Riley and Lake exchanged glances again, clearly debating how much to reveal.   "Some defensive measures,"