The Messenger( Iva) novel Chapter 33

Graduation Day-2

Rana frowned softly.

“Why didn’t you wear one of your beautiful dresses and leave the robe open?” she asked gently. “You’ve always loved them. You’re completely covered.”

Iva adjusted the robe at her wrists and shrugged, forcing an easy tone she didn’t feel as she elivered her rehearsed answer.

“There’s no need, Mom. I prefer to be comfortable.”

Rana nodded, but something tugged painfully in her chest. A quiet pang of sadness bloomed and refused to be ignored. Despite everything that had happened, Iva had always been cheerful, always excited to dress up, twirling in front of mirrors and asking for opinions. Rana had never imagined a day where her daughter would choose to hide herself on a milestone like this.

Still, she smiled and reached out, smoothing the robe as if it were enough.

“It’s okay,” she said softly. “If this makes you feel comfortable… then that’s what matters. Anyhow, you’ll wear your prom graduation dress tonight.”

Iva smiled tightly and nodded, saying nothing. The words scraped against her chest.

Tonight, she would be gone and the beautiful new dress will be left behind never to be worn.

“Your father will meet us there,” Rana added after a pause. “He was caught up with the Alpha.”

Iva’s fingers curled for a fraction of a second before she forced them to relax.

“Okay,” she replied quietly.

She was surprised that he was coming at all, but she knew that it was only for social compliance, not that he cared for her.

They got into the car, and the drive toward the ceremonial grounds passed in heavy silence. The pack’s territory was alive with movement when they arrived. Wolves gathered in clusters, laughter ringing through the air, pride and excitement thick like perfume.

As soon as Iva stepped out, her eyes searched instinctively.

She found Lori almost immediately.

But before going, she turned to her mother and hugged her quickly, as she wispered, “Thank you, mom. For everything. I love you!”

Before Rana got the chance to reply, Iva hurried toward Lori, the backpack bouncing lightly against her side. Lori barely had time to turn before Iva threw her arms around her, hugging her tightly, fiercely, as if trying to memorize the feeling.

“Hey,” Lori laughed softly as she hugged her back. “You okay?”

Iva buried her face against her shoulder for a heartbeat longer than necessary. She could feel eyes on her,

1/2

Graduation PAY-Z

less friendly, sharp with judgment and disdain. She ignored them all.

Right now, only Lori mattered.

+25 Points

She pulled back, eyes shining, and said in a low voice, “Thank you… for always having my back. I don’t think I ever said it enough. I’m so grateful to have you in my life.”

Lori smiled warmly, completely unaware of the weight behind the words.

“Always,” she replied. “You’re stuck with me, you know that.”

Iva smiled too, even though her chest ached. These weren’t just words.

They were a farewell, and same for her mother.

Time slipped through her fingers faster than she expected. The ceremony begant, speeches echoing across the grounds, names being called, futures celebrated. Iva stood in line with the others, face calm, heart racing.

And then her name was called.

She stepped onto the stage, every movement measured, controlled. The applause was sparse. Aside from her mother, Lori, and Lori’s family, no one clapped. The silence was loud, deliberate.

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