It wouldn’t be long before a pack of rabid dogs would be let loose in there. When this kid started fighting for his life, he’d move with his inhuman speed. And, if he was from a strong Aunare bloodline, his skin would give off a golden glow like it was lit from within and tattoos would appear along his skin.

Once it was over, SpaceTech would come on the screen and tell Earthers here and across all the colonies how the Aunare were the problem. The Aunare were the reason Earthers’ lives sucked ass. The Aunare were why there was so much crime and poverty.

What a crock of shit.

“Hey,” Roan said as he gripped my shoulder. He’d changed into a pair of black pants and a bright blue button-down shirt, sleeves rolled up to his elbows, and a shiny pair of kicks I hadn’t seen before. He looked a little more dressed up than usual. “I’ve been calling your name.”

I shook my head and pointed to the screen.

“I saw the alert and hurried. How many times do I have to tell you not to put yourself through this?” Roan shut down the screens with a flick of his finger. “You okay?”

I nearly laughed at the absurdity of his question. “Is any of this okay? That kid will be dead soon and for what?”

“I know, but—”

“But nothing,” I snapped. “There’s nothing we can do about it. It’s done. That kid did nothing wrong except exist, and that’s how it is for all halfers. I have to hide or that’s happening to me. And if SpaceTech ever finds me, I’ll be wishing for the end that poor bastard is about to get right now. I haven’t even heard from my father since I was six, but that won’t matter to them when they make an example of me. Or worse. Use me to start the war they’ve wanted to fight for the last thirteen years.” The air was rushing in and out of my lungs in quick gasps, and I knew I had to calm down before I really lost it. Roan wasn’t the one I was upset with. This wasn’t his fault. I shouldn’t be yelling at him.

I wiped a hand down my face, giving myself a second to get it together. The mad started to fade, and bone-deep exhaustion took its place.

A searing pain ran through my finger, and that was it. I was done. My eyes burned, and I struggled to keep the tears from falling. “I’m sorry I snapped at you. It’s been a long day. I worked a twelve-hour shift at the diner before coming here to teach, and I need to get home and—” My voice broke and I cleared my throat, trying to cover it up.