The Messenger( Iva) novel Chapter 266

The Call-1

The private chamber was cold.

Claim

Iva sat on a velvet settee, her hands clasped so tightly in her lap that her knuckles had turned white. Her face was pale, her eyes red-rimmed, her composure hanging by a thread. Beside her, Caleb stood with his arms crossed, his jaw tight, his amber eyes blazing with barely contained fury.

The royal security team had reviewed the footage with ruthless efficiency.

Now, a Gamma stepped forward, holding a tablet. His face was grim.

“Your Highness,” he said, addressing Caleb. “We have identified the sequence of events.”

He turned the tablet toward them.

The footage showed the ballroom-the grand hall filled with guests, the music, the laughter. And there, near the edge of the crowd, was Rana. She was speaking with another she-wolf, her face relaxed, her body language open.

Iva’s blood turned to ice.

She recognized the other woman instantly.

The Luna.

Her former Luna.

Iva watched as the Luna leaned closer to Rana, her lips moving, her expression earnest. Rana nodded, seeming to agree with whatever was being said. Then they turned together and walked toward the terrace doors.

The Luna’s hand rested on Rana’s arm. It looked friendly. Comforting.

The footage shifted to another camera-this one positioned near the back gardens. Iva watched as the Luna emerged alone, brushing off her gown, adjusting her hair She walked back toward the castle without looking back.

But the camera caught something else.

In the shadows behind her, a figure moved. Large. Broad-shouldered. Carrying something over his shoulder.

Frame by frame, the footage became clear. The Alpha carried an unconscious woman-Rana-toward a waiting vehicle. He loaded her into the back and climbed in beside her. The vehicle disappeared into the

darkness.

Iva’s hands flew to her mouth.

A choked sob escaped her throat.

The Gamma lowered the tablet, his expression sympathetic.

“We have confirmed the identity of the abductors,” he said quietly. “They took Lady Rana through the rear

1-3

The Call L

gatc. We have already dispatched trackers, but…”

“But what?” Iva’s voice was sharp, desperate.

Claim

“But they have a significant head start. And they’re traveling through pack territory. Our trackers cannot pursue without risking a diplomatic incident.”

Iva trembled.

Her entire body shook with the force of her rage and fear.

“Caleb,” she said, turning to her mate. “Let’s call them. Let’s stop them. Let’s-”

Caleb’s hands cupped her face, forcing her to meet his eyes.

“You’re too emotional,” he said gently. “Leave this to me.”

Iva wanted to argue. Wanted to scream. Wanted to run out the door and chase after her mother herself.

But she saw the look in Caleb’s eyes. The steel beneath the gentleness.

He was already planning. Already strategizing.

She nodded, swallowing her protests.

Caleb pulled out his phone and dialed.

The line rang once. Twice. Three times.

Iva’s heart pounded with each ring.

Then the Alpha’s voice came through, smooth and self-satisfied.

“Your Highness,” he said. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

Caleb’s voice was cold. Controlled. Deadly.

“Alpha. I believe you are in the company of one of my esteemed guests. I would advise you to return her immediately.”

A pause.

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