“Perhaps his behaviour stemmed from your failure to reciprocate his kiss. You warranted it,” Cordelia hissed.
“Perhaps. I cannot ascertain his motivations, yet I am acutely aware of the pain inflicted by his spitting at me, as though I were repugnant to him.” Molly’s voice diminished in sadness as she surveyed her surroundings. “No individual merits the sacrifice of freedom. He may present us with the universe, yet it would never surpass the value of fresh air. We must cease living for others; do you not comprehend that?”
Cordelia remained silent for an extended duration. Molly believed she had retreated inward to exclude herself, until she perceived a gentler iteration of her voice. “I desire only to be loved. I am aware that my partner awaits me, and I can perceive his summons when you cannot. We yearn for one another.”
“What actions can I undertake?” Molly enquired despondently. “I cannot alter Jayce’s identity. Kindly inform me of what would bring you joy that does not require me to compromise my integrity.”
“I urge you to cease your emotional detachment from him. I perceive your thoughts as they increasingly diverge from Jayce. You persuade yourself of his animosity before he utters a word. Afford him an opportunity.”
Molly opened her mouth to protest, but swiftly closed it again. Her wolf presented her with an opportunity, and it would be unwise to reject it. Despite her awareness of its absurdity. “If I attempt to befriend him, will you respond when I call for assistance? Will you be there for me in times of distress? I no longer wish to remain passive while awaiting rescue. We have each other; we can be our own saviours.”
Quietude. She could almost perceive the cognitive processes occurring in her wolf’s mind. All the thoughts that must have been surging through her mind to relinquish a portion of her power for Molly’s benefit.
“Affirmative,” Cordelia finally stated.
“You comprehend that there are no guarantees, do you not? This prospective affection you desire would be destined for failure from the outset. He is a prince, and I will perpetually remain merely a maid to him. I cannot compel him to love me, nor can I compel myself.”
Cordelia inhaled sharply through her nose. “Do not underestimate your worth. I have observed numerous princes become enamoured with you throughout the years.”
Molly sighed exasperatedly and stood up before removing her jacket and shoes. With a tremulous breath, she extended her arms. “I summon you, Cordelia.”
Molly asserted she heard a laugh prior to Cordelia seizing control of her entire being simultaneously. She bent forward and observed in terror as her arms transformed from human appendages to those of a wolf. White fur enveloped her legs, and her back arched as her bones fractured, ultimately transforming her back into a wolf. The agony of each segment of her bending and fracturing until her transformation would forever be an unbearable burden. It was as distressing as the initial occurrence. It seemed as though her skin was tautly drawn over her fractured bones, reshaping her form. Excruciating pain surged through her throat.
Upon completion of the transformation, the pain dissipated almost immediately, as though it had never existed. She blinked and surveyed her surroundings with her keen wolf eyes, observing her garments in tatters scattered about her. She stepped into the frigid snow and flinched slightly.
“Do not exhibit such reluctance,” Cordelia murmured. “Allow me to demonstrate how to attain freedom.”
Cordelia dashed through the trees, compelling Molly to follow suit. Her paws struck the snow forcefully, navigating over rocks and fallen trees with unhesitating agility. The wind swept through her fur, leaving her breathless as she raced against it. She experienced… untamed. Every part of her was untouchable; nothing could approach or impede her.
She experienced liberation.
She evaded the trees and sprinted alongside small animals that encountered her. They fled from her in terror, while she surged past them with unwavering resolve. She could surpass them all; she could run unrestrained. She ascended a modest mountain with great speed. Increasingly rapid, nothing could impede her progress. Nothing could
Cordelia brought her to a stop at the precipice. Molly’s heart raced uncontrollably as she attempted to regain her breath. It was significantly simpler to accomplish in this manner, as if it did not perturb her whatsoever.
She gazed down at the valley beneath her. Expanses of white snow extended for miles. The sun was rising behind the trees at an ideal vantage point for her to admire.
“You desire freedom; you shall perpetually possess it in this manner,” Cordelia stated softly. “We cannot be subdued. We are an independent force, unowned by anyone.”
Molly stated, “I wish to believe that.”
“In due course, the truth will become evident. I would eliminate anyone who attempted to infringe upon our liberty.”
A feeling of tranquilly enveloped Molly as she exited the woods. She tightened her cloak around herself while offering a slight smile. It was as though a void within her had been more completely filled than when she entered. For what duration had she possessed that hole? For what duration had she experienced that emptiness? She now comprehended the sensation of enhanced completeness. She may have been unaware of her inner wolf throughout her life, only coming to this realisation now.
The villagers were fully awake by the time she returned. A handful of royal guards were dispersed among the crowds. It was becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish them, as some had formed bonds with others. She observed them exchanging jokes and tilting their heads back in laughter. She had not yet observed Jayce or Colton outside.
It was peculiar to observe such organisation in the camp without any form of oversight. They may have been more amicable than Molly had perceived. Perhaps their apprehensions were solely directed towards Jayce.
Her stomach growled sufficiently loudly for her to promptly cover it with her arms. The aroma emanating from the courtyard’s centre was so delectable it could have elevated her off the ground. Is there freshly baked bread available? Cinnamon? She was uncertain of its nature, yet it incited a profound hunger within her. The extensive running had engendered an appetite she had not experienced in a considerable time.
