The Messenger( Iva) novel Chapter 165

<Confirmation Ceremony-3

Confirmation Ceremony-3

Ancient.

Wise.

Claim

Iva’s breath caught as the woman’s sharp eyes settled on her, studying her with an intensity that felt like it peeled back every layer of her being.

Caleb inclined his head respectfully.

“Elder Tamisa.”

The name alone carried weight, and Iva instinctively lowered her gaze slightly, her heart hammering in her chest.

The elder’s lips curved into a faint, knowing smile before she stepped closer.

“You arrived just in time, as the moon is up in the sky already. So… this is the girl.”

Her voice was calm, yet it echoed with authority, and before Iva could react, the woman reached out, taking her hand gently-but firmly.

The moment their skin touched, Iva felt a surge of energy ripple through her, ancient and powerful, making her inhale sharply.

“Welcome, my child,” Elder Tamisa said softly, her tone shifting into something warmer, almost reassuring.

Iva blinked, caught between awe and nerves, as she was gently guided forward.

Step by step, the elder led her toward the altar.

Every gaze in the room followed.

Every breath felt loud.

Every heartbeat thundered in her ears.

She could feel Caleb behind her-close enough to reach, yet not intervening, allowing this moment to unfold as it was meant to.

When they reached the center, Elder Tamisa released her hand only to turn and face her fully.

Up close, the woman’s presence was even more overwhelming, her eyes sharp yet kind, as if she had seen centuries pass and understood things beyond mortal comprehension.

“You have nothing to fear,” she said, her voice steady, almost soothing. “The truth does not tremble under the light of the Moon Goddess.”

Iva swallowed, her fingers curling slightly at her sides.

“I… I know,” she managed softly, though her voice carried a slight tremor.

The elder studied her for a moment longer, then gave a small nod.

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< Confirmation Ceremony-2

“Good.”

She turned slightly, raising her hand, and the murmurs in the room faded into absolute silence.

“The ceremony will begin.”

At those words, something shifted in the air.

Claim

The moonlight pouring from above seemed to intensify, casting a silvery glow directly over the altar-and over Iva.

Avalon stirred again, restless, alert.

“This is it…”

Iva’s chest tightened, but she lifted her chin slightly, forcing herself to stand tall despite the storm of emotions inside her-fear, anticipation, determination.

She was not running anymore.

Not from her past.

Not from Caleb.

Not from what she was.

Elder Tamisa stepped closer once more, her voice lowering as she addressed Iva directly.

“Are you ready to reveal your truth to the Goddess?”

Iva took a slow, steady breath.

Then another.

And finally, she nodded.

“Yes.”

The elder’s eyes gleamed with something unreadable.

“Then step forward, child… and let the Moon show us the truth.”

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