Apprentices, craftsmen, masters and personifates mingled in the atrium. Prue saw a golden lynx, just like the one she’d seen when she first arrived in Medlock, and there was also a rabbit personifate who darted through the people to join a winged wolf, a large brown bear and a golden eagle who was perched on the railings. Many more joined them. Prue noticed that the personifates stayed together on one side of the atrium.

“Do all those personifates work here?” Prue asked.

“Yes, we have many allocated to the factorium: messengers, technicians, gardeners, cooks, assistants and whatnot,” said Craftsman Primrose.

Prue spotted five masters in red, including Masters White and Sollentude. There were many more craftsmen in the mustard-gold jackets, around thirty to forty in total, Prue guessed, and about thirty apprentices in blue.

“And do the craftsmen and masters live here?” Prue asked.

“No, most live in Medlock, or nearby villages, but we all travel here daily to work. Come along, we’ll stand here, and I’ll stay with you rather than join the craftsmen, as it’s your first day.”

Chatter stopped as the golden lynx took the platform, followed by an older woman dressed in a cropped ruby-red jacket. Her hair was white, and immaculately styled short on the sides with a chic, brushed-back quiff. Her face had an arresting stillness and strength. Even if Prue hadn’t known who she was, it was obvious that this woman wielded power. Next on the platform was a face Prue recognized from Medlock – it was Governor Watson-Wentworth. Master Woolstenbury looked to her colleagues, who all dipped their heads to her. She gestured to the governor to take a seat on the platform. Even though the governor had more formal power as head of the Sovereign Chancellery, Master Woolstenbury’s authority here was evident. It was as though an entirely different atmosphere had taken over the room. Everyone seemed to be standing straighter and every single eye was on her. The lynx personifate went on to the side of the platform where several other personifates were lined up.

Master Woolstenbury’s gaze took in the room. “Good morning, everybody. We have some important announcements, but firstly, I would like to welcome three new trainees: Apprentices Haywood, Young and Duval.” She gestured her hand towards Prue, Agapantha and Cora, and all heads turned to face them.

For a horrible moment, Prue felt as though everyone could see deep inside of her to the truth. She glanced to her side and saw Agapantha’s cheeks instantly flush, while Cora beamed confidently. Master Woolstenbury’s eyes met Prue’s directly for a few seconds, which felt like a lifetime.

Master Woolstenbury addressed the girls. “As you will have discovered from your first journey here, we like to keep our location away from prying eyes where possible. I remind you that what you see, hear and learn during your time here stays strictly between these walls.”

The three new apprentices nodded keenly.