Page 72 of Origins of Eternity

“Zara? Are you okay?”

“Yes,” Zara said. “Just grabbing a few things while I’m in here so that I don’t have to come back.”

“Okay,” she said and walked out of the kitchen. “You had to grab those things with the door closed?” she muttered to herself and shook her head.

When Arwen got to her office, it was already filled with the sweet scent of roses, and it made her smile. She decided to send Iro a text message to thank her.

Arwen Lam: Sweet Iro, I’ve never met anyone like you before. You are thoughtful, kind, and beautiful. I would love to join you tonight for dinner and plan to pack a bag.

Then, she remembered something else.

Arwen Lam: Oh, and can you pick me up from work? I took the train, and someone delivered the largest bouquet in the world that I don’t want to have to hold for the ride. We can go to my place first, and I can pack. Also, sorry; I don’t know how to make that sound romantic and fancy.

Seconds later, her phone dinged.

Iro Black: Beautiful Arwen, your chariot will be outside your office building at any time you desire. Simply confirm, and I’ll ensure its timely arrival.

Arwen laughed and typed her response. Then, she sat back and watched through her open door, which had a view across the office and into the kitchen, as Zara emerged from the closet, holding a ream of paper. Arwen sighed, wondering what was going on with her friend.

CHAPTER 22

Iro

“Your chariot, Madam,” Iro said and winked at her.

Arwen shook her head and handed her the giant vase.

“You’re carrying this.”

Iro laughed, nodded for Arwen to get into the car, and as she turned to get in after her, she noticed Zara through the window, staring at them. She was by a desk that was possibly her own, so she was far away, and when she noticed Iro looking back at her, she lookedaway.

“Is Zara okay?” she asked Arwen once she was inside the car and had the flowers at her feet.

“No, I don’t think so.”

“What’s going on?”

Arwen sighed and replied, “Can we not talk about her tonight? I just want to focus on us. I’ve had a long day on a case, and Zara’s been weird. I just want a night with you now. Dinner, movie, whatever you want. Just you.”

Iro smiled at her and asked, “Do you like poetry?”

“Poetry?” Arwen asked back.

“Yes. I love reading poetry, and I write it myself sometimes, too,” Iro shared. “I’m no master, but I was thinking I could maybe read somefromthe masters to you while we stare at the fire. Would that help you relax?”

“That sounds amazing, actually. Although I should tell you, I’m not a big aficionado or anything, so I hope you don’t expect me to name that poet or something,” Arwen said and placed her head on Iro’s shoulder as the car pulled out into traffic.

Iro kissed the top of her head and said, “No.” Then, she smelled something and looked down. “Did you cut yourself?” she asked and picked up Arwen’s hand, holding it in her own.

“Yeah. I just poked my thumb on one of the roses. It’s fine now, but they must have forgotten to remove the thorns. Also, please stop getting me flowers. I have nowhere to put them.”

Iro kissed her palm and asked, “What do you want instead?”

“Poetry sounds nice,” Arwen replied.

Iro stared down at the Band-Aid and saw the smallest bit of blood from the outside. She swallowed, and her heart raced in her chest.

“Are you okay?” Arwen asked, looking up at her.