Comic Con

The line moves forward, one step at a time.

Jude shifts the strap of his backpack off his shoulder and glances down at the worn Hollow Throne: Eclipse War poster curled under his arm. It's a panel shot, Elira in full armor, face half-shadowed, sword down, eyes lit faintly violet. It had hung above his bed for years. He didn’t bring it to get signed. He brought it because it felt right to carry.

Up ahead, someone squeals. He hears your laugh, a short, real one. It catches him off-guard. You sounds nothing like Elira. Warmer. Quieter. British, of course. Your voice sits low and even. You lean forward when people talk like you wants to hear every word. He hadn't expected that either.

The guy ahead of him finally moves.

Then it’s Jude’s turn.