The Messenger( Iva) novel Chapter 141

Corrupted-1

The engine of the car went silent with a soft click, the sudden quiet settling heavily around Caleb as he remained seated for a few long seconds, his hands still gripping the steering wheel, his gaze fixed on the small, unassuming pastry shop in front of him.

From the outside-

It looked ordinary.

Warm lights.

Soft colors.

A place where people came for sweets and comfort.

Nothing more.

And yet-

Caleb knew better.

He exhaled slowly, dragging a hand over his face as he tried to steady the storm inside him, forcing his thoughts into order, into clarity, into something usable.

Because what he was about to do-

There was no turning back from it.

“Get a grip,” he muttered under his breath before opening the door and stepping out.

The bell above the shop door chimed softly as he entered, the scent of fresh pastries and sugar wrapping around him, almost absurdly comforting considering the weight he carried inside.

Behind the counter, a young girl looked up, her polite smile already in place.

“Good afternoon, how can I-”

“I want a special order,” Caleb interrupted calmly, his tone controlled but firm, his eyes locking onto hers with quiet authority. “I would appreciate it if I could speak with Melissandre.”

The reaction was immediate.

The girl froze.

Just for a second.

But it was enough.

Her smile faltered slightly before she quickly recovered, her posture straightening as she nodded.

“Of course… give me a few moments, please.”

She disappeared into the back without another word.

14

Conupted

Claim

Calcb remained where he was, his gaze drifting briefly around the shop, noting the details, the quiet, the normality of it all-

A perfect cover.

Moments later, the girl returned.

“She will see you,” she said, her tone now more respectful, more careful. “Please, this way.”

Caleb followed her without hesitation.

Through a narrow corridor.

Past a hidden door.

And into a completely different world.

The room he entered was dimly lit, shadows dancing along the walls, the air heavier, thicker, filled with something ancient, something charged, something that prickled against his senses immediately.

Esoteric symbols lined the shelves.

Strange herbs hung from the ceiling.

The scent here was no longer sweet-

But sharp.

Powerful.

Alive.

And then-

A voice.

Smooth.

Knowing.

“It is not every day the Lycan Prince walks into my domain…”

Caleb turned slowly.

And there she was.

A short, middle-aged woman with curly red hair, her sharp eyes gleaming with intelligence and something far deeper, far older than her appearance suggested.

“…to what do I owe the pleasure?” she finished, her lips curling into a knowing smile.

Caleb inclined his head slightly.

“Lady Melissandre,” he greeted, his tone respectful.

That-

Corrupted

Made her pause.

Her eyebrows lifted in clear surprise.

Clam

“Well now,” she said slowly, amusement lacing her voice. “You must be in deep trouble if you are calling me lady.”

She gestured toward a chair.

“Sit. Tell me what kind of chaos you’ve walked into, young prince.”

Caleb didn’t waste time.

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