The Messenger( Iva) novel Chapter 22

<Tightening Chains–2

Tightening Chains–2

She walked home slowly, this time avoiding the forest.

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When she stepped inside the house, the familiar scent of wood, soap, and herbs wrapped around her, but it brought no comfort this time.

“I’m home,” she said softly.

Her mother appeared from the kitchen almost instantly. “Welcome back, love.”

Rana smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes.

Iva noticed it immediately–the tension in her shoulders, the way her fingers twisted together, the careful stillness in her movements. Her wolf senses picked up what her heart already knew.

He’s home.

Her father.

A quiet knot formed in her stomach.

“I’ll go upstairs,” Iva murmured.

Rana nodded, hesitation flickering across her face, like she wanted to say something but didn’t dare. Iva turned away before the guilt could sink its teeth into her.

She had barely reached her bedroom when her phone rang.

She picked it up-

And nearly dropped it.

“I GOT ACCEPTED!!!”

Lori’s scream exploded through the speaker, sharp and ecstatic, making Iva wince before she

burst into a genuine smile for the first time that day.

“Iva! Iva! I got accepted!” Lori continued breathlessly. “Medical program! Lycan Academy! I can’t

believe it, I am over the moon! We need to celebrate, like right now, or I swear I’ll explode from

happiness!”

Iva laughed softly, warmth spreading through her chest. “Lori… that’s amazing. I knew you would.”

“I’m shaking!” Lori said. “Come to me, please. Let’s do something. Anything. Netflix, ice cream, shopping spree…”

Iva’s smile softened. “Let me ask Mom and I’ll let you know, okay?”

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Tightening Chains–2

“Deal!” Lori replied happily.

Iva ended the call and took a steadying breath before heading downstairs.

“Mom? Lori was asking if I can go to her to…” she began-

“You are grounded.”

Her father’s voice struck like a whip.

Iva froze.

Rhys stood in the living room, arms crossed, his expression cold and unforgiving.

“Did

you forget?” he continued sharply. “How dare you even consider going out.”

“I just-” Iva started.

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“Unless,” he cut in cruelly, “you are planning more escapes into the forest with who knows whom, to disgrace our name even further.”

Her chest tightened painfully.

“I told you before,” he said, his voice hard as stone. “You are not allowed to go anywhere. Except

for the remaining two days of school and the graduation ceremony.”

Rana stepped forward hesitantly. “Rhys, she only-”

“Enough,” he snapped. “Do not undermine me.”

He turned back to Iva. “Do not make me assign a warrior to track you and make you comply.”

Iva nodded slowly, her throat too tight to speak, then turned and walked back upstairs, her legs

Once inside her room, she sank onto the bed and stared at the wall, her heart racing.

I can’t come. I’m grounded. But I’m so happy for you. Truly.

We’ll celebrate later. I promise. I love you.

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Warrior to track you.

“I told you,” Avalon replied calmly, though there was an edge of urgency beneath her voice.

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