She painted… us. In the closet. Her mouth turned up in a smile, her eyes closed. For the first time in five years, she looks truly peaceful and happy in this image, and yet for some reason, I found her tearing it to shreds like she’d gone rabid.My throat bobs as I finally look up at her. She’s sitt
Iris & ArthurIrisMy emotions are at war this morning. Every time I think about Arthur ending his contract with Selina, my heart does a little flip. But then I remember the hesitation on his face when I asked about being his public wife, and that same heart crashes back down into my stomach.It see
The color drains from Bella’s face. “But… My family has donated to this institution for generations.”“And we appreciate that support,” the committee head says diplomatically. “However, the residency is awarded based on artistic merit and vision, not family connections. I’m sorry, but you are disqua
IrisI blink at my phone screen, my thumb hovering over the article that’s just popped up in my notifications. The headline makes my stomach drop: “Famous Artist Hunter Maverick’s Secret Family Revealed?”There’s a photo beneath it—Hunter, Miles, and me at the Abbott Gallery presentation yesterday.
IrisMy face burns hot as the fans stare at us, their cameras in hand. I glance at Hunter, who looks just as stunned as I feel. For a long, awkward moment, there’s nothing but silence.“Please?” the girl asks, shaking her phone slightly. “Your relationship is so cute!”“I—we’re not—” I stammer, pull
“Arthur, about those articles—”“I don’t want to talk about that right now,” he interrupts, standing up abruptly. “I have a lot of work to do tonight.”I watch him gather the contract papers and his laptop, heading toward his office without another word. The door closes behind him with a soft click
IrisSeeing them together breaks my heart all over again.Arthur stands tall next to Selina, his hand resting on the small of her back as they chat with a small crowd of admirers. His Alpha President smile is perfectly in place, the one that graces magazine covers and campaign posters.Selina laughs
“You don’t know what you’re talking about,” I bite out.She cocks her head like a bird studying its prey. “Oh, but I do. I know that Arthur isn’t going to give up everything for you. His presidency, his reputation, his future. You’re just an unfortunate human mate to fulfill his bodily needs. But I’
My throat bobs. That was… unexpected. But it’s touching, if I don’t let my mind wander into the darkness and assume he’s just doing it for brownie points. The genuine look in his eyes makes me believe he’s being serious, though.“Okay,” I say with a nod. “If anything comes up, I’ll do my best to exp
IrisArthur arrives at exactly nine o’clock the next morning, looking remarkably different from his usual polished self. Instead of his customary tailored suit, he’s wearing worn jeans, a simple gray t-shirt, and work boots. His hair isn’t perfectly styled—even that single curl is visible across his
I shake my head. “I shared this room with five other girls. We didn’t have much privacy, but we became like sisters.”“Do you still keep in touch with any of them?” Arthur asks.“No. We all scattered after aging out. Different cities, different lives.” I run my hand along the windowsill, noticing a
IrisThe Ordan Central Orphanage looks smaller than I remember, or maybe I’ve just grown since I was last here. The once-vibrant red bricks have faded to a dull rust color, and the front garden, which Headmistress Giulia used to maintain so meticulously, is now overgrown with weeds. Several of the w
His little face scrunches in thought. “Oh. That’s sad.”“It was, sometimes, but not always. But I’m thinking we could bring them some cookies and maybe some toys. Would you like to help me do that?”He nods eagerly. “Will we see your old room?”The question catches me off guard. I hadn’t thought abo
IrisI nearly choke on my coffee when the news segment begins the following morning.“Breaking news in the Willford family scandal,” announces the reporter, standing outside what looks like an enormous mansion. “DNA test results confirm that Selina Willford, the former fiancee of Alpha President Art
“Iris,” Arthur breathes, his eyes widening. “What are you doing here?”I hold up the flowers awkwardly. “I heard about Selina. I wanted to… I don’t know. Pay my respects? See if you were okay?”Caleb looks between Arthur and me, his expression darkening. “So this is the human,” he says, with a dismi
IrisI stare at my phone for the hundredth time, checking for messages or missed calls from Arthur. Nothing. Not a single word since he rushed out during dinner last night.So much for family time. So much for “let me prove it to you.” Just another broken promise to add to the pile.Miles finally fe
She laughs. “I’m practical. I’m thinking of your future—our future. A proper Luna by your side. Strong, pureblooded children carrying on your legacy. The respect of the entire country of Ordan. The entire world.”“And all it would cost is the lives of my true mate and firstborn son. Did you really t