The Messenger( Iva) novel Chapter 271

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The first rays of morning light crept through the curtains, soft and golden, painting the room in hues of amber and rose. Iva stirred slowly, her body heavy with exhaustion, her mind still clouded by the remnants

of restless dreams.

She blinked her eyes open.

For a moment, she didn’t know where she was. The ceiling was unfamiliar. The bed was too large. The silence was too heavy.

Then memory crashed back.

The ceremony. The celebration. The kidnapping. The terror.

Her heart squeezed.

She turned her head, searching for the one person who could ground her, who could make the world feel safe again.

Caleb was beside her.

But he wasn’t sleeping.

His eyes were half-open, fixed on her face with an intensity that made her breath catch. His hand rested on her hip, warm and steady. His body was relaxed, but his gaze was sharp-alert, watchful, protective.

He had been guarding her.

“You didn’t sleep,” Iva said, her voice rough with sleep and guilt.

Caleb’s lips curved into a small, tired smile.

“Sleep was not a priority.”

Iva’s heart ached.

She reached up and touched his face, her fingers tracing the dark circles under his eyes. The exhaustion that lined his features. The weight he had carried through the night while she slept. ୮

“This is supposed to be our special night,” she whispered, her voice cracking. “Our honeymoon. And instead, it ended up in drama and chaos and-”

Caleb caught her hand and pressed a kiss to her palm.

“Don’t,” he said softly. “Don’t apologize for things that are not your fault.”

“But-”

“Little wolf.” His voice was gentle but firm. “I am fine. I would stay awake for a thousand nights if it meant keeping you safe.”

Iva’s eyes burned.

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“I’m sorry,” she whispered again.

“I know.” He pulled her closer, tucking her against his chest. “How are you feeling?”

Iva pressed her forehead against his shoulder, breathing in his familiar scent.

“A slight headache,” she admitted, “Probably from all the crying.”

Caleb’s hand moved to her hair, stroking gently.

“You need coffee.”

Iva let out a weak laugh. “Is that your solution to everything?”

“It’s a very effective solution.”

Before she could respond, a soft knock sounded at the door.

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A staff member entered, carrying a steaming cup of coffee on a silver tray. She set it on the bedside table with a respectful bow and retreated without a word.

Iva stared at the cup, then at Caleb.

“How did you-”

“I ordered it before you woke up.” He smiled, that slow, devastating smile that always made her heart flutter. “I know you.”

Iva reached for the coffee and took a few sips. The warmth spread through her chest, chasing away the lingering chill of the night. She closed her eyes, letting the familiar taste ground her.

When she opened them again, her expression had shifted.

Worried.

“What is it?” Caleb asked, his hand finding hers.

Iva hesitated.

She was afraid to ask. Afraid of the answer. Afraid that the nightmare was not over, that something else had happened while she slept.

Caleb seemed to read her thoughts.

“Come with me,” he said, rising from the bed. “I want to show you something.”

Iva slipped out of bed and pulled on a simple dress, her fingers trembling as she fastened the buttons. She followed Caleb through the quiet corridors of the retreat, her heart pounding with each step.

They stopped in front of a door.

Caleb turned to her, his expression soft.

“Close your eyes,” he said.

Iva obeyed.

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