Prue felt so many emotions, but the worst one was knowing that it was her fault; she’d come up with the net idea and persuaded the others to do it. She’d let down the best friends she’d had since her brother. If only she hadn’t been so keen to prove herself.

She hurriedly changed into her pyjamas, got into bed and pulled the covers tight around her.

Chapter 20: Warning

WARNING

The next morning, Prue, Agapantha and Edwin were told to report to Master White’s office at eight o’clock sharp.

When they knocked on the door, Craftsman Primrose answered. Prue hardly dared to look him in the eyes, but when she did, he smiled awkwardly, and it made it all the worse that he’d taken a chance on her and she’d let him down.

Masters White and Sollentude were both sitting behind the large desk. Master White beckoned them to come forward.

“These three have been up to all manner of shenanigans, blatantly disregarding—” Master Sollentude began.

“With respect,” Master White interrupted, “you have already detailed the events, and I’m sure the three concerned are not experiencing any random memory loss.”

Prue noted a small grin at her words from Craftsman Primrose, who, as the least senior Guild member in the room, was sitting just to the side.

“Do you have anything to say?” Master White asked the apprentices.

Prue raised a hand. “It was all my idea; if anyone is getting thrown off the apprenticeship it should be me.”

“But we went along with it,” said Agapantha.

Edwin nodded in agreement.

“I see,” said Master White.

“So, she’s the ringleader. I told you it was one of Primrose’s apprentices to blame; he’s obviously chosen unfit individuals for the trade and let them run amok,” said Master Sollentude.

“The smaller personifates were shaken up after what happened to Rayana,” said Edwin. “We just wanted to make sure they felt safe, so we thought we’d try and catch whatever it was.”

Master White tilted her head. “Taking heroics upon oneself is not a sensible course of action. The Guild searched the area and found nothing. It’s likely long gone and just a unique, tragic occurrence.”

“Reckless actions have no place in the Imperial Personifate Guild,” Master Sollentude chimed in.

“They were just trying to be helpful, surely?” said Craftsman Primrose.

Sollentude scowled at him.

“Anyway, Sollentude, what were you doing lurking about in the forest?” Craftsman Primrose asked, taking his glasses off and wiping the lenses with his pocket handkerchief.

“My apprentices alerted me to the fact they’d seen your lot prowling suspiciously about the woods a week or so ago, so I decided to take a look.”