Page 57 of The Art of Exiley

I squeeze Hypatia’s hand as she rises. Her clammy fingers squeeze mine in return, then slide out of my grasp as she walks confidently to the center of the stage.

Hypatia begins to present without even the slightest quaver in her voice. I want to see the gallerie she’s put so much of her heart into, and I give her my full focus.

Her presentation is flawless, and I’m bursting with pride on her behalf, but at the same time, there’s a stone in my stomach. She’s only fourteen, and her gallerie is much more impressive than mine. She performs a beautiful song on the harmonica and displays a gorgeous clockwork owl she made. She animates the owl, demonstrating the strength of her Sire abilities, and it flies around the stage. She also presents a variety of fragrances she’s developed.

The guildmasters ask her pointed questions, all of which she answers with confidence. She’s invited into two of the Genesis guilds—the Ciphers and the Alchemists—as well as, to my surprise but apparently not to anyone else’s, Avant’s Blood Science guild.

“I would be honored to accept the position of journeyman to the Alchemist guild.” Hypatia’s voice rings out loudly.

The Alchemists erupt into cheers and cries of “Honor a Maker.” I cheer along with them. I’m so happy for her. This world is new to me, but Hypatia has been preparing for this day for years. I clap enthusiastically, and Hypatia smiles at me before she heads off the stage. Her parents, along with Rafe and Prince Alex, flock to embrace her, their faces glowing with pride.

After Hypatia, there is a slew of other apprentices, a few of whom multiple guilds compete over. One apprentice conducts a symphony of tinklingglasses—without even touching them—by manipulating the sound waves utilizing only her voice. The Cipher guildmaster argues hard for her, but the girl chooses to join the Artisans. Another apprentice—who created a hair dye that changes color in different temperatures—accepts an invitation from Bioscience. Besides Hypatia’s, the Avant guilds do not make any additional invitations.

Around me, the seats grow sparse.

And then the herald is saying the words “Next apprentice is Sire Ada Castle from New York. Seventeen years of age. Her mentor is Michelangelo Loew, Sophist master and provincial liaison.”

I walk up to the stage. The guildmasters all seem to be looking down their noses at me, thinking,Who is this impostor? She doesn’t belong here. Where are we supposed to put her?

A young apprentice has pushed over my table with my prepared materials.

“You may present your gallerie,” Bloche prompts.

I swallow, then begin to present my work, starting with my best drawings, including the circulatory system piece. I read a short story and then demonstrate my ability to revive a dying philodendron plant. I was really nervous about this part, as my Sire abilities tend to be inconsistent, but after a nervous false start, I manage the task quickly. I then exhibit my design for window curtains made entirely out of woven living plants. I’d thought this was too silly to include, but Hypatia had told me it’s the kind of thing the guildmasters like. I hope she’s right.

It’s time for my song.

I grit my teeth. I can do this. I’ve been practicing nonstop for two days.

I lift the guitar and start with easy strums the way Michael showed me, nothing too intricate or easy to flub until I become more comfortable.

The whole room is focused on me. How the hell does Kor do this in front of entire stadiums?

I start to sing, my voice only a little shaky.

These hands of mine

Could sculpt a human out of stone

Could draw the views of worlds unknown

Could paint something with soul

But instead

These hands of mine are stained only with mistakes

These hands of mine

Could pull your heartstrings with a song

Could learn the keys to play along

Could write a symphony

But instead

These hands of mine stumble over clumsy notes

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