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
IrisThe following day is the day of the exhibition, and I still don’t have anything suitable to wear. But after yesterday’s incident, I don’t exactly feel inclined to go out shopping. Plus, it’s pouring rain even harder than yesterday.The most obvious solution, of course, is to raid my old closet
Iris“Are you sure you don’t want to come with us, Ms. Tarrou?”Augustine glances up at the handsome male EMT as she lowers herself into her armchair and waves her hand dismissively. “No, no. I’m feeling much better now. You’ve been a great help.”The EMT looks at me, and I shrug, showing him to the
I nod. “For free. Of whatever you want.”“Why the hell would I want a portrait?”“Because a ‘Flora’ original is going to be worth a fortune someday,” I reply, not caring how haughty I sound at the moment.The Beta stares at me, clearly not buying it. I don’t blame him, of course; lying to Arthur is
Iris & ArthurIrisThe Beta stops in the middle of the sidewalk, his shoulders tensing. I storm toward him and grab his arm, forcing him to turn and look at me.“He told you to follow me around, didn’t he?” I growl, folding my arms tightly across my chest. “How long have you been following me, hm? H







