My chest constricts. I needed to see the Bioscience Guild Testaments. Kor will be disappointed. But I find that I’m less disappointed than I expected to be. At least I have the Artisans. I shouldn’t mind numerous rejections. They’re to be expected. I’m a stranger to this place and am lucky to have received even one invitation. But Grandfather… I can’t think about that right now. I’ll find another way. I will.

The Alchemist Guildmaster stands. “You lack a steady hand.” I guess she saw my trembling despite my efforts to hide it. “And proficiency with numbers, both qualities often necessary in our guild.”

Oh no. How do the apprentices handle all these rejections? I want to dissolve into my own shadow.

“However, the fact that you have managed control over plant life before having any Sire training is a strong indicator that you have botanical gifts. We invite you to join as a journeyman to the Alchemist guild. We can foster your affinity for plants and introduce you to apothecary medicine, as you are interested in healing. It would be our honor if you were to join our guild.”

Wait, what? The thrill of another acceptance has my heart pounding. And I didn’t realize the Alchemists work with medicines, though now that I think about it, it totally makes sense.

The Sophist guildmaster—Professor Lovelace—rises. My stomach has calmed. I can handle more rejection now. I have two good options.

“Though you are unfamiliar with our history, your song and story both demonstrate an intuitive understanding of universal human experience. We are honored to invite you to be a journeyman to the Sophist guild. Our guild would foster your songwriting and storytelling and could guide you on various paths that you seem well suited for, including education, guidance, or psychological and emotional healing. We believe that you would be a great fit for our guild, and we hope you agree.”

Three invitations! That’s the most offers any apprentice has had so far today. And Michael’s guild no less. My blood sings with triumph. I can fit in here.

A small voice in the back of my head reminds me that my purpose in fitting in here has nothing to do with developing the skills the guildmasters are speaking of, but I shush it.

It’s now time for the Avant guildmasters. I square my shoulders ready for their rejections.

The Blood Science guildmaster, Rafe’s old master, doesn’t even deign to stand to acknowledge me. He speaks tightly, hardly opening his lips, yet his voice booms across the room as he says, “The Blood Science guild does not extend an invitation to Ada Castle of New York.”

I expected as much. It’s fine.

At least this is almost over.