The Messenger( Iva) novel Chapter 324

“So that’s why he’s hunting you,” he said. “Not just for revenge. Not just because you escaped. But because you hold the key to his empire.”

Meriem nodded.

“He needs me alive,” she said. “At least until he gets what he wants. But the moment he does…” She trailed off, her expression dark.

34

Claun

Preparations

Attia crossed his arms, his jaw tight. “You are safe here,” he said firmly. “I meant what I said. No one is going to take you back.”

Meriem’s smile was sad, tinged with the bitter knowledge of someone who had learned never to trust safety.

“For now,” she said quietly. “But Calin is not the kind of man who gives up. He will bring hell to your doorstep. He is cunning, vengeful, and desperate. And desperate men do terrible things.”

Lori’s hand tightened on Meriem’s.

“Let him come,” she said fiercely. “We’ll be ready.”

Meriem shook her head slowly.

“You don’t understand. I heard things-whispers from the omegas who cleaned my wing. They thought I was too broken to listen, too broken to care. But I heard everything.”

She looked up at them, her eyes dark with warning.

“Calin wants to form an alliance with another reputable pack,” she said. “He wants to take a new chosen mate. Someone with influence, with power, with connections that will cement his position and expand his reach. He’s tired of waiting for me to break. He wants to move

forward.”

Attia’s brow furrowed.