The Messenger( Iva) novel Chapter 187

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The sun had fully set by the time they left the courtyard. The sky above the castle had deepened to a velvet blue, scattered with stars that seemed closer here than anywhere Iva had ever been. Caleb led her through winding corridors, past tapestries and torches and guards who bowed as they passed, until they reached a small room she hadn’t seen before.

It was a sitting room tucked away in a private corner of the castle-modest by royal standards, but warm and inviting. A fire crackled in a stone hearth. Two oversized armchairs faced each other near the flames, and a small table between them held a decanter of deep red wine and two glasses.

Caleb guided her to one of the chairs and poured them both a glass before settling into the chair across from her.

“No more secrets,” he said, echoing his promise from the courtyard. “No more running. Just talk. You can ask me anything, but I want to know also more about yourself. Who are you, Iva?”

Iva wrapped her hands around her wine glass, the warmth seeping into her cold fingers. The firelight danced across Caleb’s face, softening his sharp features, making him look almost approachable. Almost.

She took a sip of wine. Then another.

And for the first time since she met him, she fully opened her heart.

“I was born in a wealthy and powerful pack,” she began. Her voice was quiet, but steady. “Sivercrest Pack.”

Caleb leaned forward slightly, his full attention on her. The bond hummed between them, and she felt his focus like a physical touch.

“I was the runt,” she continued. “The smallest pup born in fifteen years. My mother nearly died giving birth to me. The pack healer said I wouldn’t survive the first winter.”

Her fingers tightened on the glass.

“But I did survive. Much to everyone’s disappointment, especially as I was the only child for the Gammal couple, and a girl, on top of that.”

Caleb’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t interrupt.

“They called me weak. Fragile. A waste of resources, behind my back.” Iva’s voice hardened. “My father- the pack Alpha-made sure I knew exactly how much of a burden I was. I was not worthy of their pack. Only my mom was on my side, trying to compensate for the cold treatment that I was receiving.”

She looked into the fire, watching the flames dance.

“When I was eighteen, they finally found a proper use for me, especially as after my first shift I had a smaller wolf. The Nordic Tribes to the north needed brides/mates. They had warriors-strong ones-and they were willing to trade. Five warriors for one bride.”

Her throat constricted.

“I was the bride for the exchange. The decision was taken in secret, without my knowledge.”

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Caleb made a sound deep in his chest-a low, dangerous rumble that vibrated through the bond. His aura flickered, dark and furious, before he forced it back under control.

“You were practically sold,” he said. It wasn’t à question.

“I was being traded,” Iva corrected. “Like livestock. Like currency.” She laughed bitterly. “I don’t know which is worse.”

She took another sip of wine to wet her dry throat.

“I ran away before the trade. I didn’t have an extensive plan. Didn’t have money or supplies or anywhere to go. I just… ran. Through the mountains, through the dark. I ran until my legs gave out and my lungs burned and I couldn’t take another step.”

Her eyes drifted to Caleb’s face. His expression was unreadable, but she could feel the storm beneath his calm through the bond. Rage. Sorrow. Something that felt almost like grief.

“I survived,” she said simply. “Barely. I found small hostels like the one that you saw. I told myself it was temporary. That I would figure something out.”

“And there was Nick that was left behind.”

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