Lori rolled her eyes, but the gesture lacked conviction. "Oh, please. My mate probably doesn't even exist."
Iva grinned.
It was a slow, mischievous grin that made Lori's eyes narrow with suspicion.
"Have you forgotten?" Iva said, her voice dropping to a theatrical whisper. "I am the Messenger."
Lori groaned. "No. No, no, no. Don't you dare—"
"I will not give up," Iva continued, ignoring her friend's protests, "until I pinpoint that elusive mate of yours. I will search every pack, every territory, every corner of the kingdom if I have to."
"Iva—"
"You deserve happiness, Lori." Iva's voice broke on the words. "All the happiness in the world."
The room fell silent.
Lori stared at her friend, her eyes shining with unshed tears. Her lower lip trembled.
Neither of them spoke.
Then Lor
