“Am I intruding?”
Molly immediately distanced herself from Jayce upon hearing Colton’s voice. He appeared thoroughly entertained by their exposure to the cold. Had she not already been flushed from their kiss, her embarrassment would have ignited the ground beneath her.
Affirmative. “You are,” Jayce said through clenched teeth. He carefully set Molly down, and she discovered it was quite difficult to separate herself from him.
“I am confident you will allocate time for that later; however, you must accompany me to prepare for the blood promise.” The amusement vanished from his expression entirely, and Molly was taken aback by his grave demeanour.
Jayce looked at Molly before nodding and following Colton back to the camp without bidding farewell. Molly swiftly searched for a rock to throw at his head, but unfortunately, none were within reach.
Molly returned to the camp alone, acutely aware of the palpable tension as the hours approached the agreement. She had never observed anything as grave as a blood promise, yet it evidently induced a state of anxiety in each of them.
Molly proceeded to the kitchens to procure sustenance before hastily returning to her room. Despite their preoccupied thoughts, they regarded her with animosity. She was reluctant to discover their opinions upon learning the consequences of her actions regarding Joseph.
Molly anticipated Jayce’s return before dawn, yet he failed to appear. As the hours elapsed, she dozed off multiple times until her patience waned. She needed to see him before he proceeded; why did he avoid her?
Molly donned a heavy coat and slightly opened her door. She cautiously peered outside, but the main courtyard was deserted. She did not fault anyone for this; it was an unholy hour, and she detested the scent of morning air.
Gradually, she exited through the door and secured it behind her. She attempted to discern any signs of life, but was met only with the increasing sound of the wind. In every direction, there was utter darkness. She roamed the campsite, leaning against each door to ascertain if Jayce was inside, yet all she encountered was continued silence and the sporadic sound of snoring.
Only upon reaching the town’s periphery did she observe the luminous glow along the pathway. A substantial fire encircled by numerous cloaked figures prompted Molly to advance cautiously towards the trees, striving to remain unseen. It was absurd that she had not received an invitation. Each contemplation of this exclusion ignited a fresh indignation within her. Why could he not simply articulate the reason for her absence?
Her inner wolf chuckled slightly, as if amused by Molly’s swift emotional transitions. She suddenly felt an overwhelming urge to scream from her anger.
Upon nearing sufficient proximity to overhear the conversation, she crouched to remain concealed. She hoped Jayce would not detect her presence amidst the crowd. He had not once glanced in her direction, and she exhaled in relief upon immediately locating him with her gaze.
“The moment is nearly upon us,” Mr. Hugh remarked, visibly displeased to be present, yet refraining from intervention. Colton stood erect and dignified, exuding the aura of a leader. Had they reintegrated him into their ranks?
“I believe we can commence now.” Colton raised a torch and positioned it near the fire to ignite it. He extended his hand, and Jayce approached, using a knife to make a precise incision across his palm. Molly recoiled at the sight, yet Colton appeared unfazed.
Jayce lacerated his palm and pressed it against Colton’s exposed wound. An eerie silence enveloped them, accompanied by an unusual energy that even Molly could perceive. It caused her skin to tingle and her stomach to churn. Was this sensation expected? It felt almost, inappropriate.
“Prince Jayce, do you pledge to remain faithful to your commitment regarding the rogues?” Do you pledge to prioritise their well-being and refrain from exploiting this agreement?
I concur. “I promise,” Jayce stated, his tone reflecting a hint of anguish, as though Colton were draining his vitality. However, that could not be the case.
Will you pledge to ensure the rogues are treated with kindness once you ascend to the throne?
“I do,” Jayce stated. She perceived that he appeared on the verge of fainting. Molly gradually rose and grasped the tree.
We pledge our support for you and your quest for the crown. “The rogues will uphold your leadership provided you remain true to your promises,” Colton stated, raising their intertwined hands. Their blood dripped into the fire, transforming it into a dark red hue. Colton cast the crimson flame into the larger fire, prompting them to retreat as it erupted into a chaotic and perilous blaze. Sparks scattered in every direction, as if enraged by their presence.
