Cryptic Crossword Solution

Across

1. NECTAR: Sweet substance = anagram of RECANT
4. STABLE: ST (saint) ABLE (can) = to keep horses
8. CONNECT: To couple = CONNECTICUT (state) minus I CUT
9. EXPENSE: Cost = anag. of EXPEDIENCES minus ICED
11. REPAYMENTS: Debt settlements = restructuring, i.e. anag. of, PESTER MANY
12. DIAL: Clock face = LAID back(ward)
13. AORTA: Blood vessel from the heart, inside Chin(A OR TA)iwan
14. WORMHOLE: Theoretical rupture in the fabric of space
16. AMETHYST: Read as BLUE STONE, which is cool and hard
18. ACTED: Took (a) part; with IMP would be IMPACTED = hit
20. EDDY: Countercurrent = TEDDY (bear) minus T
21. SUREFOOTED: SURE (definite) FOOTED (equipped with feet) = well balanced, i.e. stable
23. SLEEPER: An agent blending in with society, awaiting a call to activate; or someone asleep (out of it), awaiting an alarm call
24. PROPHET: One inspired, sounds like (said) "profit" = to be better off
25. OFFISH: Aloof; read as OF FISH = piscine
26. OSPREY: Bird of prey = OS (outsize) PREY

Down

1. NOOSE: Decidedly undesirable to hang in
2. CENTAUR: Beast with 2 arms and 4 legs = parts, i.e. anag. of, UNCRATE
3. ACCOMPANY: Go along with = COMPANY under(going) AC, alternating current
5. TEXAS: Lone, i.e. non-binary, Star State
6. BREADTH: The measure in "Measure for Measure" (Shakespearean play) from, i.e. anag. of, THE BARD
7. ENSNARLED: Tangled = confused, i.e. anag. of, NEANDERTHALS minus HAT
10. SNOWSTORM: Blizzard = SNOWS (falls) brought TO initial letters of Rome and Milan
13. ARMADILLO: No explanation needed!
15: REAFFIRMS: Attests again = mixed, i.e. anag. of, FEARS about (around) FIRM, a business organization
17: THYSELF: From "Know thyself," injunction of Delphi Oracle, revealed by, i.e. anag. of, FELT SHY
19. TROOPER: Soldier = O, zero, put in(side) TROPER, i.e. REPORT back(ward)
21. SHEDS: Double meaning
22. EMERY: An abrasive = GOT removed from (G)E(O)ME(T)RY