off. I’ve had a lot of time to think and I’m so sorry. I’ve been such a—”
“There you are! Connor, darling, you mustn’t leave your reporters wanting.” It was the same scantily-clad older female reporter that had asked him if he was single during the interview.
“I have a few more questions to ask you, if you don’t mind.”
“Well, actually I was—”
“Oh great, how good of you.” Turning to Katie, she asked, “Oh, darling, you don’t mind if I steal him for just a few minutes, do you?”
“No, not at all. While you’re talking to him, make sure you ask the question boxers or briefs. I think you’ll be surprised.”
The reporter’s eyes widened. “Oh my, Connor, do tell.”
Connor gave a Katie a look of disbelief as she stifled a grin and left him alone with the reporter.
“I’m sorry, what magazine or newspaper are you from?”
“Elite Sixteen,” she said, tossing an extension behind her ear with a long acrylic nail. “But please, do tell. Back to the question, Mr. Moore. My readers will be dying to find out boxers or briefs?”
“I… uhhh…”
“Don’t be shy now.”
“I think what Mr. Moore is trying to say is that he has more important things to think about with the Tests tomorrow,” Morrigan’s brother, Ardan Hayes, said, appearing next to him with a wine glass in hand.
“Of course, Mr. Hayes, silly me.” Connor felt sorry for the woman as color rose to her face. “Well, I will be seeing you at the ceremony tomorrow, Connor. Mr. Hayes.”
She awkwardly turned to walk away.
“Boxer-briefs.”
“What?”
“I wear boxer-briefs.”
Her expression immediately changed from embarrassment to joy. “Oh, thank you. I’ll be sure to send you our next edition.”
“I can’t wait.”
Arden shook his head as they watched her walk away. “I know you probably thought I was rude to her. They’re like car salesmen: give them an inch and you’re driving away in a Porsche before you know what hit you.”
“She seemed like she meant well.”
“The road to hell is paved with good intentions.” Arden appeared to be saying this more to himself than to Connor. “You’re not drinking tonight? Come on, it’s your celebration.”
“Haven’t been much of a drinker at eighteen.”
“Well, yes, I guess that is a good point. Are you ready for tomorrow?”
“Ready as I’ll ever be.”
“That seems like an unsure response.”
“That’s what everyone keeps telling me. I have to be honest with myself.”
“Connor, look at me. What do you see?”
Arden was about his height, slim, and walked with confidence. He was wearing a similar black tuxedo and his brown eyes looked as though they held a secret.
“I see a respected Council member. A member of my family and I’m—I’m missing the point of this conversation, aren’t I?”
“Well, you are intuitive, and not that far off track. Somewhere far, far down the line we are related. We share the same blood. What’s even more important is that my sister believes you are the next Judge and the one that will pull us out of whatever evil is headed our way.” Arden paused here, choosing his next words carefully. “I love my sister, but even more than that, I trust her. She’s never been wrong. That’s why I believe you are the one, and the reason I’ve come here to help you tonight.”
“Help me?”
“Yes, rather, give you some information. There are too many ears here, follow me.”
Arden led him right next to the podium where the orchestra was playing. Leaning into his ear, he whispered, barely loud enough for Connor to hear, “There is an evil rising, we know that for certain. The prophecy is becoming extremely real and we will need a hero, soon. There is a war coming, Connor and our race will call for its Judge.”
Connor knew that Arden was trying to help him. To bring relevance to the prophecy. However, this just gave Connor more to think about.
“What evil are you talking about?”
“It’s not safe to discuss here. You have to trust me, it’s real and coming soon.”
Connor saw by the grim look on his face that he was telling the truth and he wouldn’t be saying anymore on the subject. “Thank you.”
“I know it’s not much, but I hope it helps. Now go mingle with the rest of the room. I can feel them staring at me, waiting for me to be done with you—vultures.”
The rest of the night was spent much like the beginning; there were always more hands to shake, always more names to remember and forget. Morrigan was constantly within a few feet, as