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 slowly. "Inst