The man nodded, entirely self-satisfied. “But it was necessary.”

He was twisting her words, using the opportunity to influence. He remained unreactive, patient, and Claire wondered why he seemed pleased at her question of, “Where will it end?”

Shepherd answered like a father educating a child. “In a cultivated Utopia.”

Fighting not to grit her teeth, Claire went back to the topic at hand. “Full of damaged people? How will Shanice enjoy the world that inspired her rape?”

“Had you not interfered, she would have been safe, separated from the dangers of Thólos, and cared for by her mate—who would have provided all she needed. Charles was a good man, one deserving of the gift of an Omega’s love.”

She was not going to beat a dead horse. “In this utopia, where is justice for my dead boy? The children suffering and dying are innocent…”

“Children are being neglected and destroyed by their own people. My Followers do not harm them.”

“But they don’t help them. They perpetuate the suffering. I don’t understand how you cannot see what I see,” Claire, green eyes wide and beseeching, said. “Shepherd, you set convicts free. You inspired brutality. You are more dangerous an infection than the Red Consumption.”

“Less than twenty-thousand men were set free in a city of millions… a city of people who chose to embrace violence rather than stand honorably—a people who are easily corrupted. I never told them to pillage, rape, or murder. Thólos is responsible for its actions.”

“You manipulate us all with a skill that is terrible, yet could be redirected.” Stamping her foot in frustration, Claire demanded, “Why not inspire goodness, why not try to change the world through nonviolence?”

“It would be pointless in a place so immoral and corrupt. You cannot reason with these types of people, little one. You cannot explain or educate. They are absolutely aware of what they do. They don’t care about you, your goodness, or anything beyond their own insatiable desires. After all, what do you know of Senator Kantor, the champion of the people? That man would do anything for power, manipulate anyone for wealth. He knows secrets that, were he to divulge them to the resistance, they would slit his throat.”

Fighting not to lose ground or be distracted, Claire growled, “You are bitter because he is still free, because he fights.”

Crossing his great arms over his chest, Shepherd said, “What makes you think I don’t know where he is at this very moment?”

She took a deep breath, she made herself look passive. “There is no resistance.”

“There never will be.” Creased skin around his eyes exaggerated Shepherd’s smile. “Thólossens will never rise up at the cost of their dwindling comfort.”

Knowing the question would irritate him, Claire asked bluntly, “Has my flyer had an effect?”

“Yes.” Silver eyes lost their mirth, their shifty furtiveness, and narrowed in disapproval.