"You're blaming the wrong people," Lana tried again, her voice firm but measured. "You should be blaming the humans that caused all this. At least Ethan is trying to fix-"
"Fix it?" Janet spat, cutting Lana off, her tone laced with venom. "He stood there, Lana. Stood right beside his father while all this was going on. Do you understand what that means? He didn't just watch- he condoned it!"
"You don't know that," Lana countered, her patience fraying. "Did you actually see him just stand there? Did you see him not lift a finger to help? Or are you assuming the worst because it's easier to hate him?"
For a moment, Janet faltered, her gaze flickering with uncertainty. But it was gone as quickly as it appeared. "Don't. Don't try to manipulate me with your 'what-ifs.' Ethan wasn't some clueless kid! He knew exactly what was happening. He could've challenged his father. He could've stopped all of this at any time."