[Kill Clause: First circuit complete. Health stable. Equipment stable under movement.]
[Crimson Halo: Received. The Emergency Retreat Seal and route beacon are still reporting normally.]
Cassandra touched the narrow silver disk secured beneath her new belt.
[Kill Clause: Active and unobstructed. Continuing the planned circuit now.]
[Crimson Halo: Come back with all the pieces I adjusted still in their proper places.]
Cassandra closed the channel before Katherine could make the request sound any less professional.
Blackglass Ravine cut through the neutral wilderness beyond every academy boundary. Dark stone rose on both sides, its smooth surface breaking Cassandra's reflection into pieces whenever she passed. Wind moved through the narrow channel with a low whistle, carrying dust over old claw marks and shallow tracks.
