As an afterthought, I add the two Avant guilds to my list even though I’ve been told they’re only part of the Genesis Quorum as a formality since both practices have been banned here.

Mysticism is the smallest guild, very selective, and shrouded in secrecy. I don’t know why it was banned at Genesis, but Hypatia had once mentioned that mysticism is considered dangerous and that some people who studied their testament went mad or even died. Technically, Genesis allows apprentices to be guilded as Mystics and travel to Avant to learn from the masters there, but it’s rare.

• Mysticism
• Not an option, drives people to madness

Blood Science involves experimentation that’s controversial and risky. Genesis replaced the entire guild with Bioscience, but Avant still practices it.

• Blood Science
• Not an option, illegal at Genesis, morally problematic

I sit back and look over my list, just as confused as before.

There’s a knock at our apartment door, and I know it’s Michael.

He’s here to help me with my song—the one I’m supposed to be practicing. I’d taken a scribble that had started out as a poem and added a melody, but something’s not quite right. My plan had been to ask Kor for help, but every time we spoke, he seemed too busy, and he kept reminding me to focus on my mission instead of being distracted by projects. So earlier today, I’d asked Michael for help instead.

Except now that he’s on the other side of my door, I question that decision. Is this going to be awkward? He hasn’t been anything but professional with me lately, so what am I worried about?

I fold my guild list and put it in my pocket. Then I get up to open the door for Michael.

He’s not awkward at all as he lets himself into our common room, his long legs taking him straight to the guitar on the couch. It’s actually his guitar. Most apprentices make their own instruments, but I haven’t had the time to learn that process yet, so Michael lent me one of his older ones that he’d made when he was an apprentice.

“Just wait a sec while I get my music,” I say, heading into my room.

I rifle through the numerous piles on my desk until I find my sheet music and then turn to leave, but my stomach sinks when I see Michael waiting for me in the doorway.

I hadn’t meant for Michael to follow me to my room. In fact, that is the very last thing I wanted, for the very reason that is reflected on his face right now.

Abject horror.

Okay, it might be more like mild shock, but I know what must lurk beneath his polite mask.