“One last question,” Bloche says. “How did you open your guild box?”

“Excuse me?”

“The box that was part of your application. The method used to open it can be a useful indicator for affinity and guild fit.”

Oh. Was there more than one way to open it? And how come no one else was asked this question? Maybe only recruits get a puzzle box. Well, I’m not going to admit I tried to break it.

“I pricked my finger,” I say.

Every single guildmaster’s head shoots up at this.

“You used blood?” Bloche asks, with the faintest note of accusation. The gaze behind his smoky monocle bores into me.

“It was… an accident?” I respond.

The Blood Science guildmaster looks down in derision, but the others continue to stare at me quizzically.

Bloche clears his throat.

And then the Cipher guildmaster rises.

It’s starting.

She says, “While we recognize that you have a strategic mind that would be beneficial to the Cipher guild, you have made it clear that mathematics is not a strength, and it does not appear that your interests align with our guild at this time. We do not extend an invitation to our guild.”

I hadn’t wanted to join the Ciphers, but that doesn’t prevent the sting of rejection.

The Artisan guildmaster is already rising. He says, “Though it seems you have a propensity for art, considering that you are a Sire, we are surprised that you had not cultivated a more developed talent in any of the fine arts before arriving here, which may be a sign that it is not your true calling.”

My muscles feel as tight as an overtuned string instrument. They’re not going to accept me. The easiest guild to get into is going to turn me down.

“However,” he continues, “you have made great strides in only a few months, and you clearly have an eye for aestheticism. Considering your potential, we invite you to join as a journeyman to the Artisan guild.”

I breathe, panic subsiding.

“We especially enjoyed your song and both the technique and metaphorical expression of your painting entitled Tree in Autumn. If you choose to join our guild, we will foster your skills in both visual art and music. We would be honored to have you as a member of our guild.” He takes his seat.

They like my work. I can’t believe it. I don’t yet know if any other guilds will accept me, but I already know I’d feel comfortable with the Artisans.

The Bioscience guildmaster stands next. This is it. My first choice.

The guildmaster says crisply, “Though you are a Sire, which is a quality that often makes for a good healer, no particular information has been presented to indicate that you are a good fit for the Bioscience guild. At this time, we do not extend an invitation to our guild.”