The Messenger( Iva) novel Chapter 356

Rana Green I

Rana’s mind was a whirlwind of disbelief and wonder.

She stood frozen in the middle of the ballroom, her hand still tingling from where Elian had touched it, her heart pounding so loudly she was certain everyone around her could hear it. The music swirled around her, the laughter of the guests echoed in her ears, but all of it felt distant, muffled, as if she were underwater.

The number on her chest felt like it was burning.

She had worn it without thinking, assuming it was just a formality-a way to participate in the evening’s festivities, a harmless gesture that would have no real meaning. She had watched as younger wolves found their matches, their faces alight with joy, and she had felt a pang of bittersweet longing for something she had long ago stopped believing in.

But never-never in her wildest dreams-had she imagined that her own number would appear on the board.

She looked around, her eyes searching for her daughter.

Iva was standing few steps away, her hand resting on her growing belly, her face a mixture of joy and barely contained excitement. When their eyes met, Iva smiled—a warm, knowing smile that told Rana everything she needed to know.

This was no prank.

This was no mistake.

This was real.

Rana’s breath caught in her throat.

She turned back to Elian, her eyes wide, her lips parted. He was standing before her, tall and distinguished, his silver-streaked hair catching the candlelight, his warm eyes fixed on her with an intensity that made her knees weak.

For a moment, she forgot how to breathe.

The world seemed to tilt on its axis, and she felt as if she were standing on the edge of a cliff, about to leap into the unknown.

Elian’s smile was gentle, reassuring.

“Shall we?” he asked, offering his arm. “I believe there’s a more private area where we can talk. I saw it when I first arrived-a lounge area with small tables. It seemed designed for moments like this.”

Rana’s hand trembled as she reached out and placed it on his arm.

“Yes,” she managed, her voice barely above a whisper. “Yes, that would be… that would be lovely.”

He led her through the crowd, his steps measured and unhurried. Rana could feel the eyes on her-some curious, some envious, some scowling with barely concealed disapproval. She recognized a few faces from her former pack, their expressions twisted with jealousy and resentment.

But she refused to let them ruin this moment.

She had spent too many years living in fear, too many years hiding from the judgment of others. Tonight, she would not let them steal her joy.

She lifted her chin and walked with her head held high, her hand resting lightly on Elian’s arm.

They reached the lounge area-a cozy space tucked away from the main ballroom, furnished with plush armchairs and small tables, their surfaces flickering with candlelight. The atmosphere was intimate, private, designed for quiet conversation and the slow unfolding of new connections.

Elian pulled out a chair for her, and Rana felt a shiver of shyness and pleasure pass through her body as she settled into it.

He took the seat across from her, his eyes never leaving her face.

“Would you like something to drink?” he asked. “Tea? Wine? Something else?”

Rana shook her head, her voice still soft.

“No, thank you. I’m… I’m still processing everything.”

Elian nodded, his expression understanding.

“Of course. This is a lot to take in. I imagine it’s even more surprising for you than it is for me.”

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify