Arthur & IrisArthurThe moment the phone begins to ring, Iris lunges toward it like her life depends on it. Her finger smashes the ‘decline call’ button, turning the screen dark before I can see the name lighting it up.“What was that?” I ask, narrowing my eyes.Iris lifts her chin defiantly, as if
Iris & ArthurIrisI should feel angry when I see those pictures. I should feel violated and self-righteous at the obvious invasion of my privacy.But I don’t. Not really.Instead, I just feel… sad.Despite everything, I am Arthur’s fated mate. Even now, five years later, the unshakable bond that gr
I bristle at the term of endearment, even more so when Selina lifts up on her tiptoes and kisses my cheek. The nearby onlookers coo at the public display of affection, but I feel like retching.The moment I’m able, I pull Selina off to the side under the guise of dancing to the orchestral music and
IrisI’ve just pulled up to the gallery when I notice that the lobby is already filling up. It’s surprising, to say the least; all these people aren’t just coming for me, are they?As an artist, I’ve always kept my identity private—more for Miles’ sake than mine, although I’d be lying if I said it w
And I do just that. When we return to the gallery—in Brian’s car rather than Arthur’s—I go in the back entrance.I explain the situation to the gallery staff, who, to my surprise, all express their understanding. They assure me that they’ll keep my identity confidential, which I appreciate more than
IrisThe curator was right.Over the days since my seminar, it seems that my ‘mysterious’ identity as ‘Flora the artist’ has drawn even more interest in my work than ever. My collection is being talked about all over online forums, with local Ordan critics writing articles on the symbolism.And then
I stare at her, not really sure what her hangover has to do with me.My hesitance seems to make Selina bristle. “Well?” she asks, snapping her fingers—snapping them. “Be a dear and fetch some coffee for the future Luna of Ordan, will you?”The man goes to say something, but I shake my head and plast
IrisSelina just stands there in stunned silence for several long moments, and I’m not entirely sure if she’s enraged or embarrassed. Likely both. Without another word, she huffs angrily and storms out of the gallery, leaving Arthur’s Beta still standing there.I expect him to turn and follow his mi
Arthur stares at me for a moment, his breath warm across my face in the cramped closet. Then, without a word, he turns and rushes after her, likely to do damage control.Once I’m alone again, a soft whimper escapes my throat before I can stop it. I lean my head back against the wall, staring up at t
Iris & ArthurIrisArthur’s mouth is warm and soft against mine, but his kiss is insistent, hungry, needy. His lips move against mine with a hot, heavy fervor, as if he needs the taste of me to keep on living.I don’t think. I just move, pressing more firmly against his body. My head drops back, giv
I hesitate, glancing toward the bar. Alice, noticing the exchange from afar, lifts her glass and shoots me a wink. My cheeks flush as I accept, and we move to the dance floor.Surprisingly, Hunter keeps a respectable distance as we begin to dance. His palm presses into mine, his fingers gently curli
IrisAlice and I pull up to the event, which is situated in one of the historic halls in downtown Ordan. Glittering chandeliers hang from the ceilings, their glow reflecting off the polished marble floors. Ordan socialites from all backgrounds mill around in expensive gowns and tuxedos, sipping cham
“Children don’t eat on furniture,” Mrs. White cuts me off, raising her hand to stop me. “And pizza is very unhealthy.”I blink. “It’s not like it’s an everyday thing,” I say slowly. “And Miles is very neat when he eats. You can put a towel down if you’re concerned, but he won’t make a mess.”The nan
IrisBefore I can think better of it, I pull my phone out of my pocket and send Alice a quick text.“I’ll come with you tonight. What time?”She responds within a minute: “The event starts at eight, but you should come to my place beforehand! We can get ready together.”I hesitate, then agree to do
ArthurI sit in my office, my brow furrowed, running my fingers across the stubble lining my jaw over and over again. I should have shaved this morning, but my mind was admittedly… elsewhere.“He’s on the spectrum,” Iris said last night.That information left me confused, to say the least. Of course
Sighing, I turn toward the studio again, not really in the mood to deal with her antics. But as she opens the door to Arthur’s room and steps inside, curiosity takes hold of me, and I can’t help but follow her. I pause in the doorway, finding her rifling through his closet.“What are you doing?” I a
IrisThe next morning, I’m holed up in my studio again, finishing up the static television painting. Miles is playing on the floor by my feet—he’s barely left my side all morning, too shy of the new nanny to be alone with her.Not that I can blame him, nor do I mind. It’s nice to hear him talking to