"How are you finding Frosthaven," he says.
"Fine," I say.
He nods. "The panel has been reviewing your case. I wanted to speak with you directly before their preliminary findings are issued."
"What findings."
"Your transfer was classified as a stabilization measure. The panel is satisfied that removing you from the proximity configuration at this facility has reduced cascade risk." He pauses. "What they are less satisfied with is the underlying classification issue."
"My being a female alpha."
"Your being a female alpha with an unresolved incident on your record." He holds my gaze. "The James case."
The room is quiet.
"The panel's position," he continues, "is that your final placement determination cannot be made while that case remains open. You are stable in isolation. In proximity, your presence compounds variables they don't have a framework for." He folds his hands on the desk. "They need the James case resolved before they can classify you properly."
"And if it doesn't resolve the way they want."
He doesn't answer that. "The panel will need you to remember," he says. "Whatever you can access from that night. Whatever additional detail exists." A pause. "This is not optional, Alex."
I look at him. He looks back with the resolved expression he had in the corridor outside my room — the one that isn't unkind and is somehow worse for it.
"Your placement at Frosthaven is contingent on the panel's review," he says. "Mr. Dalton's presence is part of that contingency. He is there to ensure the outcome remains consistent with their expectations. If you are unsuccessful at Frosthaven, we have secured a temporary placement in Montana if needed."
I look at Dalton.
He's looking at the floor. His jaw is set and his hands are still at his sides and he doesn't look up.
"Is there anything else," I say.
"Yes," Gavin says. "The panel will convene before the end of term. I'd recommend using the time at Frosthaven productively." He pauses. "You have more freedom there than you did here, but that freedom is conditional."
I stand. "Thank you for letting me know."
He nods. I leave.
***
In the corridor outside the admin building I stop.
Dalton comes out behind me. He stands close, not touching, and I let the silence sit for a moment before I turn to look at him.
"You knew," I say.
"Not the specifics," he says. "I knew it was about the panel." He meets my eyes now, steady, the careful thing back in place. "I'm not there to monitor you against you. You know that."
I look at him. The man who checked the hot water and pointed the bed at the trees and sat on the edge of it talking about colors in the dark.
"I know," I say.
A beat.
"Can I see them," I say.
"Gavin approved it. Brief window."
"Okay," I say.
