"We have heard this before --" Janan begins to say, ready to patiently explain why Johnny is wrong to think he has been damaged, ready to compare it to one of his people shearing a sheep because they need what the sheep has and the sheep will only regrow its wool anyhow.

She does not get the chance to explain. Rashad scowls and snatches at Johnny's wrist, carelessly forgetting that his own hands are still on fire, that this will not just stop the unwanted proximity of Johnny's hand but will actually injure the man if Rashad successfully grabs him. "You do not understand anything," he snarls.