The world reemerged in glimpses. Molly perceived a tumultuous environment, yet the illumination remained elusive. Her eyes attempted to open; she perceived voices surrounding her and the sound of rumbling. What was her location?
“I believe she is already awakening,” a voice remarked.
“What dosage did you administer to her?” enquired another.
“Sufficient. She will be unable to transform into her wolf for a minimum of several days.”
A surge of panic manifested in her chest. She attempted to resist and move, but her body remained unresponsive. No muscle would respond to her command, as if her body had ceased to be her own.
Molly mentally called out, “Cordelia?” She perceived only an echo in response. Whatever they administered to her must have incapacitated her wolf more significantly than it affected her. Cordelia remained mute, as though she were entirely absent from her own being. Even in her pain, she still sensed her presence. Why was she unable to perceive her?
“We are nearly at our destination. I anticipated her absence to be more prolonged. She exhibits greater resilience than I had anticipated.”
Molly gradually opened her eyes to observe the ceiling of a moving carriage. Each jolt on the road caused her head to spin violently, as though every stone had struck her skull. She attempted to grasp the seat, but her fingers failed to comply.
“There she is.”
Molly attempted to orient her head towards the voice, but she was immobilised. Only her eyes were capable of movement, yet they remained just beyond her line of vision.
The man stated, almost with indifference, “Do not be concerned; we will arrive shortly.” Molly devoted the majority of the journey attempting to manoeuvre her fingers and facial muscles, yet her body remained unresponsive. It instilled in her a level of terror beyond her previous comprehension. She was entirely at their mercy and vowed to herself that she would never again be a victim in such a manner.
Upon the carriage’s cessation, substantial hands extended to draw her into his embrace prior to his exit from the vehicle. She ultimately managed to see the face of one of her captors. He resembled the rogue who confronted Colton to a duel, characterised by his long grey hair and facial structure. It prompted her to contemplate whether they were siblings. Did he remain concealed until she distanced herself from the others?
He transported her through the entrance of Life Pharmacy and into a section she had not explored during her brief time with Jayce. She had not yet had the opportunity to ascertain Colton’s well-being—would he perceive her absence? Or would he presume she returned with Jayce?
In the depths of her stomach, she comprehended that no one would rescue her. Jayce was likely midway to his palace at this point, while Colton could be tending to his injuries or deceased if the other rogue prevailed. She must either rescue herself or perish in the attempt.
The walls became increasingly dim. He transported her to a location that provided minimal illumination and appeared exceedingly tranquil, as though no one else was present. Molly gradually regained movement in her fingers. She extended them intermittently, while the man who bore her appeared oblivious.
“The room is prepared, sir,” another voice stated. Molly managed to turn her head slightly to observe him, but he had vanished before she could discern his features.
The man who transported her placed her on a small bed that was scarcely large enough to accommodate her. She gestured with her hands at her sides while observing him retrieve a chair to position beside her.
“I do not anticipate your response at this moment, but I deemed it worthwhile to make an attempt.”
Molly blinked at him, yet her lips remained immobile, merely twitching slightly.
“It is likely you have inferred our intention to entice your prince to return here for your secure release. He is known for his desire to safeguard what belongs to him, and I am confident he will act accordingly. We do not intend to inflict harm upon you unless provoked.” He stated casually, as if he had not just issued a threat.
Molly’s lips quivered. She fervently wished to convey to him that Jayce would not arrive for her and that they were squandering their time on her. He departed and unequivocally indicated that he would not return for her if she remained; their assumptions were erroneous, and she was unable to convey this to them.
Would it have an impact if she were able to?
“I will allow you to rest, but do not attempt to summon your wolf. You will not receive any communication from her for an extended period.”
Molly extended her fingers towards him; he looked down at the gesture and smirked slightly. “Rest assured, she is unharmed. We administered a substance that temporarily inhibits the wolf within you for several days, preventing any resistance. Our initial intention was to apply it to Jayce, but there is an ample supply available.”
The man rose and proceeded to the door. “It is advisable that you refrain from resisting.” He stated before securing the door behind him.
Hours elapsed with Molly intermittently conscious and unconscious. With each awakening, she sensed a new part of her body regain mobility, while the remainder felt like a lifeless burden. She was uncertain of the duration until she could finally stand, but it seemed like an eternity. How had she permitted this occurrence and allowed herself to be abducted once more? She ought to have been more vigilant; she should have resisted more vigorously prior to their administering the injection. She was once again in the clutches of perilous rogues awaiting liberation.
Molly clutched the wall as she regained her balance. The chamber assigned to her was austere and unadorned. It resembled a guest room rather than a cell, appearing largely unused. The room contained a dresser, a bed and a washbasin situated in the corner. She wished to end her life before enduring further suffering. She recognised that she would not endure another instance of torment. Her body had endured excessive trauma, and it could withstand little more.
Molly attempted to open the door, fully aware that it was a futile endeavour before her hand even grasped the knob. She tugged and wrenched, yet the door was as unyielding as steel. It would not even groan under her strength.
She struck the surface multiple times before the door abruptly opened. Molly reeled backward and regained her balance before collapsing.
A tall guard with brown hair peered in to observe her. He possessed an attractive, youthful, and benevolent visage that could not have been significantly older than hers.
“Ah, you are awake. I was instructed to monitor your escape attempts and provide you with sustenance,” he remarked with a crooked smile. She desired to remove the smile from his face forcefully and flee at her utmost speed, yet she understood it would not subdue him. He was exceptionally fit.
He entered her room and revealed a plate of food from behind his back. He swept his curls aside to gain a clearer view of her. His gaze traversed her tattered jumper and contused cheeks before resting on her eyes. She would have flushed had she not been so fatigued.
“I am Joseph, the guard assigned to oversee you,” he stated with a semblance of kindness.
Molly stated, “You may inform them that the prince will not return for me.” Her voice faltered and was raspy from neglect, yet she maintained her composure. “He is probably already returned to the palace by this time.”
“Regardless of its veracity, they will retain you here until it is disproven. Allegedly, it is rumoured that you are the prince’s consort.”
Molly emitted a snort and subsequently flushed at the noise. Joseph smiled slightly, as though he was unable to restrain himself. “Certainly not. I have never been his partner, nor has he ever regarded me as one. I am a maid in the palace, and he will be indifferent to my fate.”
Molly uttered the words and nearly wished to retract them upon observing a hint of pity on the boy’s face. She required no sympathy from him; she sought to leave this place and return home, despite the absence of a true residence.
Molly enquired, “What do they have in store for me?”
