Amanda lowered her weapon slightly, eyes never leaving the leader's. "Let the boy go. He's innocent."
The leader's gaze softened for a heartbeat. She looked down at Ren, at his terrified eyes.
"I know," she murmured. "I know anyone like him — anyone who doesn't have the powers you people discriminate against — is innocent. Even those who do…" She trailed off, her face twisting. "Even they're innocent. It's not about who's innocent and who's not… it's about changing society so we don't have to choose."
Ren blinked. Did he just hear sympathy in her voice? What is this even about? He was confused.
She looked back at Amanda, voice rising again. "But do you know how people like me — like us, the ones born without skills — are treated?"
Amanda said nothing.
"They treat us like trash. No. Worse than trash." Her grip tightened on Ren's collar, but her eyes glistened. "That needs to change."
Ren swallowed hard.
