“I’m glad.” The words are almost a whisper, and they feel so intimate. More intimate than touch.

Michael blinks, then looks away. “It’s late,” he says. “I should get back.” I nod, and he bends at the waist in a small bow. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Journey Castle.” The detachment in his voice almost blows the moment out of my grasp, and I immediately start to doubt whether it was even real.

“See you.” I smile at him, and he walks away.

I turn my face to the breeze, close my eyes, and listen to the soothing sound of the waves violently pulling their sculpture from the stones below. I breathe in the air of this place that, if a million things were different, I might begin to call home.

17

As Hypatia and Georgie had predicted, I’m quickly invited to try out for the Alchemist hoverjoust team. I was hesitant at first, since I need to stay focused and not attract unnecessary attention, but Hypatia pointed out that it would be a great way for me to quickly integrate into our guild. It didn’t take much to sway me since I wanted to do it anyway.

The hoverjoust arena is carved out of the bedrock on the westernmost side of the island. Its design is inspired by the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, and the amphitheater-style stone seating forms three-quarters of a bowl shape that is open to the ocean. In the center of the bowl is a dirt pit bisected by a fence, where the jousts take place.

I approach the pit with trepidation, but the team is warm and welcoming as they introduce themselves with lots of arm clasps and high fives. High fives aren’t a thing here, but they seem to think it’s a provincial greeting, and they do it enthusiastically, wanting me to feel welcome.

“I’ve been hoping you’d guild as an Alchemist ever since I saw your moves at the hover park!” says a tan boy with dyed green hair and very large biceps who I think is called Sebastian.

“Were you on a hoverjoust team in the provincial world?” asks a girl named Carlota.

I laugh. “There’s nothing as cool as hoverjousting in the provincial world.”

Miriam, the Alchemist team captain, claps her hands for order. “Let’s see if you’re a fit for the team! You already know how to use that, right?” She gestures toward Georgie’s hoverboard, which is clutched under my arm.

I nod. I’ve been practicing more at the hover park and have even started to manage hitting the targets with my lance.

Miriam rummages through a basket full of protective gear and tosses me a padded vest, some kneepads, a shield, and a helmet. Most of it is made of spidersilk in shades of Alchemist emerald green and resembles medieval armor.