LOGINI can hardly believe it. Before my friends can say anything else, I squeal and throw my arms around them both, jumping up and down. Liam and Brian and the twins are the one major thing I’ve missed dearly since leaving Bo’Arrocan, and to find that they’re finally considering living in Ordan full time
“On schedule, believe it or not,” I reply. “The Bo’Arrocan branch is finally running smoothly, and the Ordan location just graduated its first class of seniors. Six of them got full scholarships to prestigious art schools.”“That’s amazing, Iris.” Alice squeezes my arm. “You’ve created something tru
IrisFive Years Later…“Fifty years of marriage, and they still make each other laugh like that,” Arthur says, appearing at my side with two glasses of champagne. He hands me one and clinks his against it, and we watch as my parents twirl on the lawn, my mom throwing her head back at something my fa
“Gee. Thanks,” I manage to laugh weakly. “I’ll see you all next week.”“You most certainly will not,” Arthur, Hunter, and Alice all say in unison, making me roll my eyes.Outside, Arthur’s car is waiting, parked haphazardly half on the curb. He must have driven like a maniac to get here so quickly f
IrisEight months later…“And that’s why the colors on this side of the color wheel are considered ‘cool’ colors,” I explain to the class of children sitting in a semicircle around me. “They remind us of water, ice, and the sky.”I’m demonstrating on a large color wheel chart when a sharp pain rips
And through it all, Augustine’s breathing grows slower, shallower.Then, quietly and calmly, she goes.Her hand turns limp in mine. The steady beeping of the heart monitor flatlines. The doctor steps forward, checks for a pulse, then shakes her head.“Time of death, 10:47 AM,” she says quietly.I br
Heat crawls up my neck as I realize what’s happening. Someone deliberately planted these papers to undermine my event. And it’s working.“Ezra,” Arthur barks, whirling to face his Beta. “Check the security footage. Find out who put these here.”Ezra nods and hurries away, already pulling out his pho
IrisVeronica scoops Miles up into her arms, causing all of the parents and nearby onlookers to turn and gawk. My mouth falls open as I watch her hold my son.Why did Miles go straight past me and Arthur and to her? He’s always been able to recognize Arthur, at the very least; it makes no sense.Mil
Arthur nods slowly, brow furrowed as he considers. Suddenly, I recall my visit with Veronica.“Oh, and Veronica knows,” I add. “I told her when I was getting her advice on my presentation a couple weeks ago.”Arthur’s eyebrows rise slightly. “Veronica? Why would you tell her?”I shrug. “She noticed
IrisThe sun beats down mercilessly on my back as I stand on the very top rung of a rickety ladder. Sweat trickles down my back, making my yellow sundress stick to my skin. But the banner needs to go up, and I’m determined to get it done myself.“Just a little higher,” I mutter, stretching as far as







