Victoria knew exactly which order Raze meant.
She had given it in a secluded cave as Cascade Valley's West Bank battle collapsed, after Raze blamed himself for losing to Emperoar. Ashy had still been waiting for him when Victoria left.
"Say it," Raze said.
"No."
Several officers turned from the cauldron. Even the alchemist stopped moving.
Raze pushed away from the ruined table. "You were comfortable saying it when nobody else could hear."
"The formula is still active," Victoria replied. "Close the cauldrons. Secure the evidence. After that, you can accuse me of anything you want."
"Anything?" His mouth pulled tight beneath the white-fanged half-mask. "You still think the problem is how I phrase it."
Before Victoria could answer, the recruitment officer near the wall stepped forward. Three crossed lines on his insignia marked the academy shelves under his management, and the badge's edges had worn pale with use.
