Fernando's sudden appearance and fierce words hit the podium like a bucket of ice water, just as the atmosphere had begun to settle.
The reporters froze for a moment, then came alive like sharks scenting blood. Camera shutters rattled, and Quick-Quotes Quills flew across parchment, recording the sudden dramatic turn.
"Fernando!" Rock Rowle's face darkened. His voice held suppressed anger and a trace of panic. "Mind where you are! This is an official Society press conference! These matters should be discussed within the Society. The invitation has already been sent, and Behrens is now a full member!"
"That's exactly why I have to speak up!" Fernando refused to back down. He was breathing hard with agitation, but the eyes beneath his unruly hair shone as he stared at Rowle, then swept his gaze across every camera. "I, Fernando, as a member of the New Member Review Committee of the Society for the Promotion of Alchemical Excellence, still oppose this decision! I oppose inviting Will Behrens to join the Society unless he shows us the part of his work he's concealed!"
"The Sleeping Charm is complete and effective!"
"There's a problem with his process!"
An uproar broke out below the stage. This was a blatant rift within the Society, played out in public! The reporters were so excited they could hardly keep from screaming.
Rowle forced down his anger and struggled to stay composed. "Fernando, the review committee held a thorough discussion and approved it by majority vote—"
"A majority vote doesn't make it right!" Fernando cut him off. His voice was hoarse with emotion, but every word came through clearly. "I admit that Behrens's research results, whether the Sleeping Charm or the Wolfsbane Potion, are beyond reproach, both on paper and in practice. But he has absolutely concealed part of