The Story She Became

appeared at

slicing through the s

her d

od ran

turned out dull, she polished the dull one-until iris shone. She never chased her own dreams, so her children

eamed, struggling as the gu

honeyed but hiding thorns. "This is all for your ho

like

not the f

cian and smiled. "Confi

grotesque object-a milky white pearl,

ou can't! I won't le

my ear. "This isn't a game. You are Iris Tahenna, daughter to Lord Cedr

forgotten about

ad to avoid contracting whatever d

"When was the last time y

noyed. He rummaged through his ca

?" I stammered, backi

id coldly. Whatever he held, I kne

guard stumbled. I yanked my wrist away and stumbled backward, scanning the ro

ter I ha

who served the

ed behind false humility. I remember

rted. "I was looking for

ckered. The

d-lit up his face. H

beth asked sharply, he

e drow

ended up in the strea

ow visibly shaken. Her breathing qu

he kne

he hissed. "Well, he

reassuring. Her

xpression. "He's dead

s Lisbeth truly this

her now," the physician

her eyes but ev

id curtly, then swept out, lea

ear the window, s

rned back to me,

ou fin

y nightgown and climbing out of b

riosity furro

this isle," he said slowly, eyes gleamin

Lisbeth strode back i

hysician said smoothly. "The w

ed to the coffee table. He placed

d me and whispered,

t-and I'll gran

n he wa

d him, leaving the room thi

floor, hands folded. Was she loyal to Lisb

vials-both unmarke

. The other,

y were. The blue one darkened Iris' hair

pounding. I needed a plan. I couldn't rely on lies forever. Even

ck so

wall. Three knocks

fr

ps pressed tight. She w

id, "Would you like

ore glancing back, her voice a breat

he was