Joel slammed his fist down and stood up, knocking his chair over in the process. “You can’t just walk in here and act like you own the place, you–”

Vespa moved forward to subdue him, but the students were stopped by Ms Shimomura.

“Ms Garland, if you have business with Phantasia, I would ask that you take it outside the classroom,”

Astrid scoffed and spun around, flicking her hair over her shoulder. “Follow me, Albino,” she said.

Phantasia stood up, wishing she could reassure Kaori and Joel and the rest of her friends that she knew what she was doing. Joel’s face was ashen and he was mouthing at her to not go, like he wanted her to stand up to Astrid and Godhand and begin the inevitable rebellion that would save their town. She could see it reflected in his aura, and the auras of all her friends, as they reached out to clasp on to her.

“I’m glad to see you won’t be making a fool out of yourself,” said Astrid, glaring back at the irate Joel, “Rash actions will cost you dearly in the future,”

Phantasia followed them out of the silent classroom, willing her friends to understand – if only she were telepathic! – and hoping their teacher would be able to calm the inevitable storm of emotions. Once down the corridor, Astrid stopped and the trio surrounded their victim.

“My father, Bishop Wotan Rosencrantz Garland, has requested your official arrest on charges of witchcraft and heresy,” she announced, “I am to escort you to his manor, where you will be rehabilitated. If you refuse to comply, we shall be forced to take more drastic measures and your friends may also be brought in for interrogation,”

Phantasia nodded. Astrid looked disappointed at her silence stared at her for a few moments longer.

“Well, if you have no objections…”

“I don’t,”

It was an opportunity she’d been hoping for since her talk with Mr Payne: an audience with his adversary and the chance to put an end to their childish quarrel. Astrid watched her with narrow eyes, no doubt suspecting trickery of a sort.

“Then follow me,” she said, “And don’t you dare try anything stupid,”

***

Phantasia was bundled out of the polished limousine with the same rough hands that had forced her in. As the vehicle glided away, Astrid marched towards the front doors of the mansion.

The heart of Godhand’s presence in Torsten lay at the north of the town, where Phantasia had noticed a tower being constructed during her vigils atop the church. Compared to the rest of the town, the hilltop mansion was a paradise of mown grass, arranged flower beds, moss-less walls and glistening clean windows. Only the skeletal clock tower in the background ruined the pristine image.

“Take a good look, Albino,” said Astrid, pushing open the large wooden doors, “This is what those who follow faithfully receive.”

If the outside was an untarnished paradise, Phantasia was lost for words to describe the interior. The floors were polished like mirrors, soft carpet cushioned her naked feet, staircases spiralled upwards, red drapes framed walls adorned with all manner of artworks from across the ages – it made Torsten Academy look like a slum.

“Of course, you won’t be enjoying these benefits,” said Astrid, leading the way across the lobby towards more large doors, “As a heretic, you must repent for your crimes before you can saviour even a drop of luxury,”

Chapter 14
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