were pursued did seem excessive to her at times. In truth, she had hoped that by becoming a witch hunter she could actually help talented individuals find a place in the Ordo.

            Her grandfather narrowed his eyes, seeming to already guess her thoughts. “Maybe you think such people should be put to work,” he said, confirming her suspicions. “Awful waste of talent, isn’t it?” His tone was dry and mocking. “Why don’t we dress them up in a pretty uniform, hm? Fill out the ranks of the Ordo? The more magisters we have, the greater good we can do for the world, right? Makes sense?”

            Sonja hesitated. Despite the causticness of his timbre, the arguments didn&rsq...

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