The temperature in the room dropped several degrees. Nobody talked about the incident. Nobody wanted to remember what happened when Obsidian pushed too hard, too fast, too recklessly.
Vale's expression didn't change, but something shifted in his mismatched eyes. "The past is an excellent teacher and a terrible master. Dwell on it, and it drowns you. Learn from it, and it becomes a foundation." He pushed off from his desk and began pacing, a predator in an expensive jacket. "The question isn't whether Obsidian can close the gap. The question is whether you're willing to do what's necessary to close it without repeating previous mistakes."
"What would you suggest, Professor?" Belle asked, her voice carrying that particular sweetness she deployed when she wanted information.
