We find a table near the fountain, and a girl in a gauzy dress brings us glasses of fresh spiced juice. I listen to the instructions for the game with half an ear, and we casually play as we chat, but I keep losing because I’m too distracted by how very perfect the day is.

Michael presses me a bit on why I didn’t choose the Sophists. What I don’t say is that I’m relieved to be in a guild where—besides Foundations class—I can easily avoid having him as a teacher. Not that it should make a difference anymore. We’ve found a rhythm in which Michael is my mentor who I am fond of, in more of an elderly brother kind of way, all awkwardness behind us.

His eyes gleam as he wins another round of the game, and my heart speeds up when his hand brushes mine as he grabs the rest of my cards.

A brotherly kind of way? Blah. Who am I kidding?

Something neither of us has yet mentioned was my invitation to the Mystic guild. There’s a niggling doubt at the base of my neck tormenting me over whether I should have taken their offer more seriously.

Michael deals me a new set of cards, but instead of starting another round, I say to him, “I didn’t realize your sister was a Mystic.”

He smiles. “Yes, it shocked a lot of people when she left the Genesis Ciphers. But physics and mysticism have more in common than you might think. Especially when it comes to theories surrounding the Universal Tapestry—similar to what is known as string theory in the provincial world. Have you heard of it? As I recall, you’re a fan of theoretical physics.” He winks.

I shake my head, unsure whether I’m comfortable with the fact that he’s brought up a reminder of our first date. That is, our only date. This is not a date.

Michael continues. “The Mystics haven’t extended an invitation to a Genesis apprentice in my lifetime, and Ari was one of very few Master applicants in that time.”

“I don’t understand. Then why did they invite me?”

“I guess I’m not the only one to realize you’re special.”

I feel a blush spread up my neck in a sensation that starts as pleasure and morphs quickly into irritation. We’re supposed to have boundaries. That kind of teasing is not boundaries.

“Seriously,” I say. “Should I have considered their offer?”

“Oh, absolutely not. Avant is no place for you, and mysticism is hazardous.”

“But your sister—”

“Ari has always… painted using colors no one else can see. I understand why she needs to do what she’s doing, but it doesn’t stop me from worrying about her.” He nibbles on his thumbnail, and I instinctively reach over and push his hand away from his mouth.