The Messenger( Iva) novel Chapter 298

The New Normal-1

The Academy felt different.

Iva walked through the familiar corridors, her footsteps echoing against the stone walls. Students milled around her, their voices a low hum of conversation and laughter. The same portraits hung on the walls. The same torches flickered in their sconses. The same scent of old books and polished wood filled the air.

And yet, everything had changed.

Lori was gone.

The thought settled in Iva’s chest like a stone, heavy and cold. Her best friend-her anchor, her confidante, the one person who had been with her through every high and every low-was no longer here.

Iva had known it would be difficult. She had prepared herself for the emptiness, the absence, the strange silence where Lori’s laughter used to echo.

But knowing and feeling were two very different things.

Caleb walked beside her, his hand resting on the small of her back. He didn’t say anything-he didn’t need to. His presence was enough, a steady anchor in the storm of her emotions.

“It’s strange,” Iva said quietly. “Walking through these halls without her.”

Caleb’s hand tightened slightly.

“I know,” he said. “But she’s happy, Iva. She’s where she’s meant to be.”

Iva nodded, blinking back the tears that threatened to spill.

“I know. And I’m grateful-so grateful-that we were able to help them. That they have a new start.” She paused, her voice dropping. “I still can’t believe how things ended up for them. The Council. The Scotts. All of it.”

Caleb’s jaw tightened.

“They were dealt an unfair hand,” he said. “But they’re strong. They’ll make it.”

Iva looked up at him.

“Will we?” she asked softly. “Make it, I mean? Through all of this?”

Caleb stopped walking.

He turned to face her, his amber eyes steady and sure.

“We will,” he said. “Because we have each other. Because we have people who love us and support us. And because we refuse to let anyone tear us apart.”

Iva’s heart swelled.

She reached up and touched his face.

1/3

< The New Normal

“Hove you,” she said.

Caleb smiled-that slow, devastating smile that still made her knees weak.

“I love you too.”

They continued walking, their steps falling into a familiar rhythm.

Claim

The Headmaster’s office was empty.

Iva stood at the threshold, staring at the massive desk, the leather chairs, the bookshelves that lined the walls. It all looked the same-and yet, it felt hollow.

The interim headmaster had been appointed by the Council. A competent wolf, by all accounts. Respectable. Experienced. But everyone knew that Attia was not easy to replace.

His presence had filled this office. His authority had radiated from every corner. The Academy had been his domain, his legacy.

And now he was gone.

Iva felt a pang of sadness.

She had never expected to feel this way. She had always admired Attia’s strength, his discipline, his unwavering commitment to his duty. She had seen him as a figure of authority-someone to be respected, even feared.

But she had also seen him vulnerable. Had seen the love in his eyes when he looked at Lori. Had seen the desperation in his voice when he fought for their bond.

He was not just the Headmaster.

He was a man. A flawed, complicated, deeply human man who had been pushed to his breaking point.

And now, he was starting over.

Iva walked to the window and stared out at the courtyard below.

Students moved across the grounds, their voices rising and falling. The sun was warm, the sky was clear. Life, it seemed, had continued.

“I promise you, Lori,” Iva whispered. “I will make sure this Academy becomes a place where love is celebrated. Where no one has to hide. Where no Council can tear fated mates apart.”

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