Mention of the suppression collars makes something in his gut recoil, setting his mouth into a thin, firm line surrounding his protruding tooth. That doesn't make sense. Why would someone like Donnie be punished for being curious? For wanting to read?

What's worst is that they did it to his brother without a second thought. And no one was there to stop it from happening.

"...That ain't fair." He feels that anger again, mixing with the sickening guilt that wells up inside of him. Despite keeping a lid on it, it still shows upon his bandanna-covered brow. "Those nobles are chumps. Books should be available to anyone. An' stories are good to have."

He exhales a sigh, trying to soften his hardened gaze, sympathizing with Donnie and Aira as he looks to the latter. "You sounded fine to Raph, Aira. If it helps any, my reading level hasn't improved either way. I've been tryin' the past few months an' none of it sticks fully."