The Messenger( Iva) novel Chapter 236

What Happens Next?-1

The morning light streamed through the canteen windows as Lori slid onto the bench across from Iva. She had barely slept-her mind had been spinning all night, replaying every word, every glance, every moment of her conversation with Attia. But despite the exhaustion, she felt something she hadn’t felt in days.

Hope.

Iva looked up from her tea, her eyes brightening when she saw her friend. But there were shadows under her eyes too, and her usual energy seemed dimmed.

“I thought you were still with Caleb,” Lori said, reaching for a piece of toast.

Iva let out a long breath. “He had to leave early this morning. Something came up.” She paused, her voice dropping lower. “He came only to inform… you know whom.”

Lori nodded, grateful.

She knew that Caleb had come more because Iva had asked him than because of royal duty. The lycan prince was impossibly busy-his responsibilities stretched across packs and territories, leaving him little time for personal matters. But he had come anyway.

For Iva.

For her.

The thought made Lori’s chest warm.

They ate in companionable silence for a while, but Lori noticed how Iva kept glancing around the canteen, how she angled her body away from nearby tables, how she spoke in low murmurs that wouldn’t carry.

They were surrounded by shifters.

Supernatural hearing meant that every whisper, every breath, every heartbeat could be overheard by someone with sharp enough senses. And until Iva’s role as the Crown Princess became official-until the mating ceremony made her the Crown Princess-they had to be careful.

No more attention than necessary.

Lori couldn’t help herself.

“So,” she said, a teasing lilt creeping into her voice, “someone enjoyed last night.”

Iva’s cheeks flushed a deep crimson. “Lori-”

“You have marks on your neck.” Lori grinned, nodding toward the scarf Iva had wrapped around her throat “And despite your best efforts… it’s not covering everything.”

Iva’s hand flew to her neck, her eyes wide. “What? Where? Avalon healed me…”

Lori laughed a real laugh, the first one in days. “Relax. I’m messing with you. Mostly.”

Iva swatted her arm. “You’re terrible.”

13

What Happens Next?!

“You’re the one walking around with love bites like a teenager.”

“Lori!”

Claim

They both dissolved into giggles, drawing a few curious looks from nearby tables. For a moment, everything felt normal. Ordinary. Like they were just two friends teasing each other about boys, not two women carrying the weight of secrets that could shake the foundations of their world.

The moment passed.

Iva’s smile faded, replaced by concern. She leaned forward, her voice dropping to barely a whisper.

“How are you keeping? Really?”

Lori’s heart skipped.

She looked around the canteen-at the students laughing, eating, living their ordinary lives. Too many ears.

Too many eyes.

“I spoke to him,” she said quietly. “Last night.”

Iva’s eyes went wide. Her hand shot across the table, gripping Lori’s wrist.

“Omg. Spill it. Now.”

Lori shook her head, pulling her wrist free. “Not here. Too many ears. After classes.”

Iva looked like she might combust from curiosity, but she nodded. “Fine. But you’re telling me everything. Every single word.”

“Yes.”

“Promise?”

“Promise.”

Iva’s eyes searched her face. “Are you okay? Is everything…?”

Lori took a breath.

す

Everything was not okay. Everything was terrifying and confusing and overwhelming. But it was also something else.

“Everything is good,” Lori said. “I think.”

Iva’s eyes narrowed. “What does ‘I think’ mean? Give me something.”

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