Hypatia begins to present without even the slightest quaver in her voice. I want to see the gallerie she’s put so much of her heart into, and I give her my full focus.

Her presentation is flawless, and I’m bursting with pride on her behalf, but at the same time, there’s a stone in my stomach. She’s only fourteen, and her gallerie is much more impressive than mine. She performs a beautiful song on the harmonica and displays a gorgeous clockwork owl she made. She animates the owl, demonstrating the strength of her Sire abilities, and it flies around the stage. She also presents a variety of fragrances she’s developed.

The guildmasters ask her pointed questions, all of which she answers with confidence. She’s invited into two of the Genesis guilds—the Ciphers and the Alchemists—as well as, to my surprise but apparently not to anyone else’s, Avant’s Blood Science guild.

“I would be honored to accept the position of journeyman to the Alchemist guild.” Hypatia’s voice rings out loudly.

The Alchemists erupt into cheers and cries of “Honor a Maker.” I cheer along with them. I’m so happy for her. This world is new to me, but Hypatia has been preparing for this day for years. I clap enthusiastically, and Hypatia smiles at me before she heads off the stage. Her parents, along with Rafe and Prince Alex, flock to embrace her, their faces glowing with pride.

After Hypatia, there is a slew of other apprentices, a few of whom multiple guilds compete over. One apprentice conducts a symphony of tinkling glasses—without even touching them—by manipulating the sound waves utilizing only her voice. The Cipher guildmaster argues hard for her, but the girl chooses to join the Artisans. Another apprentice—who created a hair dye that changes color in different temperatures—accepts an invitation from Bioscience. Besides Hypatia’s, the Avant guilds do not make any additional invitations.

Around me, the seats grow sparse.

And then the herald is saying the words “Next apprentice is Sire Ada Castle from New York. Seventeen years of age. Her mentor is Michelangelo Loew, Sophist master and provincial liaison.”

I walk up to the stage. The guildmasters all seem to be looking down their noses at me, thinking, Who is this impostor? She doesn’t belong here. Where are we supposed to put her?

A young apprentice has pushed over my table with my prepared materials.

“You may present your gallerie,” Bloche prompts.