Chapter 42

Carefully balancing the two trays, Avery stopped in front of Tristan’s room. She set one of the trays on the floor in front of his door and then carried the other to Victoria’s door. She knocked lightly. When there was no reply, she opened the door and stepped into the room.

It was early evening. The Lycans had returned from hunting early this morning and had immediately gone to bed. Mrs. Lanning had sent her with trays of food and drink for when they woke.

“Make sure you build their fires up.” She glared at Avery. “They’ll have let them burn down while they slept, and we don’t want lord Tristan’s houseguests uncomfortable.”

She poked Avery in the back. “And if Lady Victoria wakes and wants anything—a bath drawn, more food—make sure you get it for her. I don’t want to hear any complaints about you.”

Now, Avery set the tray down on the small table in the room and quickly built up the fire. Mrs. Lanning had been right—the fire was only a few embers.

Victo