The Return-1
The morning sun spitted golden light across the terrace, warming the marble floor beneath Iva’s bare feet. She stood at the edge of the balcony, looking out over the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea, her silk robe billowing gently in the warm breeze.
Capri was everything she had dreamed of and more. The colors were richer, the air sweeter, the light more golden than anything she had ever experienced. It felt like stepping into a painting-a world of beauty and tranquility that seemed almost too perfect to be real.
But the past few days had been perfect.
Caleb had shown her the island’s hidden treasures-secret coves where the water was so clear she could see the sandy bottom, winding paths through lemon groves where the scent of citrus hung heavy in the air, ancient ruins that whispered stories of gods and heroes. They had eaten fresh seafood at cliffside restaurants, drunk local wine that tasted like sunshine, and made love until the sun rose and the world was bathed in gold.
Iva had never felt so free.
So alive.
So completely and utterly loved.
Caleb appeared behind her, his arms wrapping around her waist, his lips pressing against her neck.
“Good morning,” he murmured.
Iva leaned back into him, her eyes closing.
“Good morning.”
“Sleep well?”
“Like a baby,” she said. “For the first time in weeks.”
Caleb’s arms tightened around her.
“Good. That was the goal.”
す
They stood in comfortable silence, watching the sun climb higher.
Then Caleb spoke again.
“We have a meeting today,” he said. “With some of the local packs. They’ve been eager to meet you.”
Iva’s stomach fluttered.
“Me? Why?”
Caleb’s smile was warm.
“Because you’re the Crown Princess. Because you’re the most fascinating woman in the world, and they want to see you for themselves.”
1/3
The Return.
Iva laughed, shaking her head.
You’re biased.”
“Completely,” he agreed. “But that doesn’t make it less true.”
Claim
The meeting was held at a grand villa on the other side of the island.
The building was a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture, its walls adorned with frescoes and its gardens filled with sculptures. The pack members were elegant, sophisticated, their clothes a testament to their wealth and status.
And their Prince-the heir to the Italian pack-was a walking embodiment of old-world charm.
His name was Alessandro.
He was tall and lean, with dark hair that fell across his forehead and eyes the color of warm honey. His smile was easy, his accent musical, his every gesture dripping with confidence.
He approached Iva with the grace of a predator, his eyes sweeping over her with undisguised appreciation.
“Your Highness,” he said, taking her hand and pressing a kiss to her knuckles. “It is an honor to meet you. I have heard so much about you.”
Iva felt her cheeks flush.
“The honor is mine, Prince Alessandro,” she replied, her voice steady despite the flutter in her chest.
Alessandro’s smile widened.
“Please, call me Alessandro. I insist.”
Caleb’s hand tightened on Iva’s waist.
“We are honored to be here,” Caleb said, his voice cool and measured. “Your family has been a valued ally for generations.”
Alessandro’s eyes flickered to Caleb, a hint of amusement dancing in their depths.
“Of course, Your Highness. We are honored by your presence.” He turned back to Iva. “I would be delighted to show you the gardens. They are quite famous, you know. I have a particular fondness for the rose garden-it reminds me of a certain… beauty.”
Iva felt a blush creep up her neck.
“That would be lovely,” she said.
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