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
Iris“It’s been too long,” my father whispers. “They said the surgery would only take three hours. It’s been almost four.”“That doesn’t mean anything bad,” I reply. “Surgeries often run longer than expected.”“Or it means there were complications.”I shoot my brother a withering glare. “Not helping
“Arthur, what is this?” she demands. “What’s going on?”“Veronica Willford,” one of the officers announces, stepping forward, “you’re under arrest for embezzlement, fraud, and conspiracy to commit fraud.”“This is ridiculous!” she sputters, writhing harder against me to no avail. “I haven’t done any
Arthur“You sure about this?” Ezra asks from behind me. “You don’t have to go in there alone.”“I do,” I reply. “She’ll be suspicious if I show up with you. She needs to believe I’m still under her control.”I hear Ezra sigh. “Fine. We’ll be right behind you. Just give the signal when you’re ready.”
IrisFor a moment, I can only stare at the massive wolf standing in front of us with Nora’s unconscious body hanging from his jaws. I’m in shock, unable to move or speak or do anything except pinch my arm to make sure I’m not dreaming. Even when I don’t wake up from that dream, I can still hardly be







