AITA for signing my friends up to the military without them knowing about it?

I (M16) was tasked with finding new recruits for the Emperor’s Coven by my superior. I went to a high school which was kind of a misplay on my part; they have so much potential at that age but they’re still so attached to ideas like “individualism” and “self-expression” and “not having your pets murdered”.

Anyways, I get together this group that seem to have promise, but I obviously have to blindside them with the whole “I’m an Emperors Coven recruiter” thing because they wouldn’t give me the time of day if I opened with that. But after I finish my assessment, coven scouts arrive to bring them to their new chambers and they all start freaking out and throwing around words like “betrayal” and “I don’t wanna leave my family” and “stop trying to kill my pets”.

Their words really upset me and I honestly feel kinda attacked, why can’t they see that the Emperor’s Coven is the best choice for them? They get to keep all their magic, even after the Day of Unity. And Emperor Belos is going to round up everyone’s palismen eventually, so what’s the big deal if it happens now rather than later? Thoughts?