The Messenger( Iva) novel Chapter 146

Tiramisu-2

A beat.

“And so will they.”

Silence followed.

Heavy.

Then her expression shifted again, more serious than before, her voice dropping slightly.

“You need to be cautious,” she added.

Caleb stilled.

“Why?”

Her eyes darkened.

“If a Black Blood witch is involved…” she said carefully, each word deliberate, “…then you are not dealing with someone reckless.”

A pause.

“You are dealing with someone who knows exactly what they are doing.”

Her gaze locked onto his.

“And if they dared to target your father…” she continued, her tone tightening, “….King William, one of the most powerful Lycans alive, a ruler with exceptional abilities and magic protection…”

She inhaled slowly.

“…then they are either extremely confident… or extremely desperate.”

Caleb’s expression hardened completely.

Because both options-

Were dangerous.

Melissandre’s voice softened slightly, though the warning remained clear.

“Do not underestimate them.”

Caleb looked down briefly at the vial in his hand, the small object now feeling heavier than any weapon he had ever carried.

“I won’t,” he replied simply.

And he meant it.

Because this-

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<Tiramisu 2

This was no longer just a hidden threat.

It was a direct challenge.

To him.

To his family.

To his kingdom.

He lifted his gaze again, the fire in his eyes unmistakable now.

“Thank you. Your support will be recognised,” he said, his tone sincere but brief.

Melissandre nodded faintly, too exhausted for more words.

And with that-

Caleb turned.

And left.

Because now-

The real game was about to begin.

The palace was glowing under the soft gold of evening lights when Caleb finally returned, the long shadows of dusk stretching across the marble floors as he stepped inside, his expression calm, composed, betraying nothing of the storm brewing beneath.

Everything was ready.

Everything was in motion.

All he needed-

Was the right moment to administer the potion.

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The royal dinner unfolded as expected.

Elegant.

Controlled.

Deceptively peaceful.

Caleb sat at the long table beside his father, his posture relaxed, his tone measured as he engaged in light conversation, answering when required, observing always.

Sonia was radiant.

Smiling.

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<Tiramisu 2

Graceful:

Perfect.

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Too perfect.

Her eyes lingered on him often, filled with quiet triumph, as if she believed she was slowly winning him over, as if she already saw herself seated beside him as queen.

Caleb played along.

Of course he did.

Offering polite smiles.

Measured attention.

Nothing more.

Nothing less.

But inside-

Every instinct was alert.

Watching.

Waiting.

Then-before he got the chance to get his father alone in his study and administer him the potion.

Something unexpected happened.

Sonia rose gracefully from her seat, her movements drawing the attention of everyone present, her smile widening slightly as she addressed the table.

“For dessert,” she began, her voice warm, carrying effortlessly across the room, “I prepared something myself… as a small gesture of gratitude for the warm welcome I have received.”

A soft murmur of surprise moved through the table.

Moments later-

Servants entered.

Carrying a large, elegant glass dish.

Tiramisu.

Perfectly layered.

Beautiful.

Tempting.

The Queen clasped her hands together, her face lighting up with genuine delight.

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< Tiramisu

“Oh, Sonia, you shouldn’t have-”

“It was my pleasure,” Sonia replied smoothly, her smile unwavering. “And I insist… everyone should have a bite.”

Her gaze swept across the table.

“I made enough for the entire household.. as a way to introduce myself.”

And in that moment-

Caleb’s world stilled.

His head spun.

Because suddenly-

It all made sense.

The speed.

The boldness.

The need for control.

She wasn’t waiting anymore.

She was accelerating.

“…Fuck…” he cursed internally, his jaw tightening as realization slammed into him.

Most probably she was trying to feed them more potions.

Not kill.

No-

Worse.

To make them susceptible.

To deepen the manipulation.

To tighten the grip already forming around the palace.

And he-

He hadn’t had the chance to administer his own potion yet.

His eyes dropped briefly to the transparent glass bowl.

The layers.

The cream.

The cocoa dusted on top.

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<Tiramisu

#looked harmless.

But now-

It felt like a weapon

And if he didn’t act-

This would spiral beyond control. The last thing he needed was an army of puppets.

His heart pounded once.

Hard.

Then his mind snapped into motion.

Fast.

Sharp.

Decisive.

Think.

He couldn’t accuse her.

Not without proof.

Not here.

Not now.

It would alert everyone involved.

It would ruin everything.

He needed-

A distraction.

A delay.

A reason.

And then-

It came.

A risk.

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A dangerous one.

But the only one he had.

Caleb remained perfectly composed as he lifted his gaze, his expression softening into something polite,

even warm.

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You are not yet familiar with our customs,” he said smoothly. “But every dish that reaches this table is Tested first.”

A ripple moved across the room.

Confusion.

Surprise.

“What?” Sonia blinked, clearly thrown off for a second.

Caleb continued effortlessly.

“We are royals,” he said calmly. “There is always a risk of poisoning attempts.”

The explanation landed.

Logical.

Reasonable.

Expected.

Sonia hesitated.

Just for a moment.

Her expression flickering between irritation and something else-

Something darker.

But before she could respond-

The butler stepped forward.

Calm.

Trained,

He took a small portion of the tiramisu.

And ate it.

A few light chuckles echoed around the table.

The tension broke slightly.

Sonia forced a laugh.

“Of course it’s not poisoned, as I made it myself,” she said, her tone recovering. “Now, shall we-”

She didn’t finish.

Because in the next second-

The butler stiffened.

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His hand flew to his stomach.

His face drained of color.

“Something… is wrong..” he whispered, his voice strained, barely audible-

And then-

He collapsed.

Right there.

In front of everyone.

The sound of his body hitting, the floor echoed through the hall like a thunderclap.

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