Victor's POV
I nodded in response to what Mrs. Hale said.
She patted Ava's shoulder, gentle but firm. “Go get your things, Ava.”
I watched Ava disappear back into the courtyard, her scent lingering faintly in the air. My wolf stirred, restless.
I forced it down.
Mrs. Hale didn’t move. She stayed where she was, her gaze settling on me again, slower this time, more deliberate. Not intimidated at all, and not quite impressed.
“I know Ava isn’t the Stone family’s favorite,” she began, her tone calm but edged with something sharper beneath. “And I know you’re entangled with their second daughter.”
My jaw tightened slightly.
She continued anyway, unmoved. “But I’ve lived longer than you, so let me offer you some advice.”
I said nothing. I just watched her, my wolf quiet but alert.
“Mar
