the complexity of this case. Due to the circumstances that led to my almost fatal injury - from falling off the bridge with Finnick to being deliberately hit by Elisha's car - magic centered around many of these scenarios.
Magic users had to go through a trial with a total of four judges. Due to both my parents being chosen to participate in this trial, it was determined by the four of them to invite one more judge to the table to ensure things remained professional because of my association with my parents.
I wasn't sure why they were chosen when it was a potential conflict of interest, but judges were chosen by a magic method versus a simple decision of choosing at random. My parents mentioned they underwent the magic decider three times, and they were both chosen in all cases.
Maybe they needed to be present for this. Deep down, I was glad they would be because I didn't know what the hell would happen this evening.
It was only hours before the new year and we all wanted to get this done, so the nervous tension in the mere building was intense. Adding our recent discovery yesterday, we went from revealing that Elijah was the one in a coma next to us to hopping on a jet back to Witchling while all the "adults" were hustling to gather information for the trial.
They expected me to change the date, or simply postpone it to after the final semester was over, but I felt down in my gut that those actions would carry far more consequences than benefits.
It's time to address this now because we won't have time for all of that next year.
"Bri?"
I turned around and walked right into Connor's chest. "Oomph." He put his hands on my shoulders, which made sure I didn't lose my balance in these heels. Lifting my head up to look at his calm expression, I couldn't help groaning.
"Teddy, I need a hug."
Those large arms of his wrapped around me and I allowed myself to enjoy the comfort of his warmth for just a few seconds.
"Brianne, things are going to work out."
"You don't know that."
"I don't, but I could always reverse it and we could try again?"
"Ugh, please don't," I huffed and placed my chin on his chest so he had no choice but to look down as I pouted my lips while giving him a judgmental look.
"Didn't Professor Phoenix warn you that you can't use that gift often?"
"Ya." He didn't seem pleased with the news. "How am I going to be strong like Sebastian, who only got a measly cold from reversing time, if I can't train my gift?"
"Well, it's a demigod gift. Maybe once we graduate, we can see what we can take to help us grow in those areas?" I offered. "I hope so, anyway. I really don't want to keep zapping into places."
"You do that when you're nervous or killing people."
"Well, isn't that lovely," I concluded with an eye roll. "When's the last time we kissed?"
"On the jet when we totally made out in the washroom you sneaked into."
"I needed to pee."
"So did I, but you don't see me butting into your peeing time." He laughed but kissed me. "Man. We need an off-the-grid vacation."
"An off-the-grid vacation?"
"No one knows where we are. We can do what we want. Basically immunity to go around the world and just live life like we're not always being chased down by an evil organization that wants to get rid of us over a kingdom or, I guess, a school, that was never theirs to begin with."
"Right?" I shook my head but kissed him again. "You, me, Jax, Finnick, and Kaito. That would be kind of fun. Go on tours. Try different restaurants and see the sights. Just a year of being a typical individual traveling the world and living like tomorrow won't bring another round of chaotic fuckery."
"Fuckery?"
"Jaxsin's been rubbing off on me."
"He's never said fuckery."
"You don't know that." I winked and moved away from him to twirl around his muscled body. "Your workouts have been paying off, I see," I changed the subject.
His look told me he knew what I was doing, but he went along with it.
"Apparently, seeing as I needed a new suit."
He tugged at his blue tie that looked far too tight. He wore a white shirt, a blue coat to match his dark indigo pants, and black shoes. His hair was gelled back and really gave him business CEO vibes.
"You look like