"You do not get to say that."
Andrea's eyes lifted to his.
Arion's tone did not rise. It did not need to.
"You do not get to stand beside an alpha under strain, refuse to stabilize him, write 'moderate fluctuation' in a report, and then decide afterward that because he did not collapse, there was no danger. Thomas held because Thomas is strong. That does not absolve you of withholding support."
Andrea's jaw tightened. "I followed every order."
"Yes. Perfectly. That is what makes this ugly." Arion tapped one finger against the closed folder. "You did not fail by incompetence. You failed by omission."
For a moment, Andrea said nothing.
Then, softly, "You think this is about you."
Arion stared at him.
