“You deceitful scoundrel. Provide me with the cure before I dismantle you-” he could not complete his threat before succumbing to a cough. He appeared no older than thirty, yet he sounded venerable. Did she sound as dreadful as he did when he was ill? It was astonishing how Jayce could endure her presence.
After the spice vendor relinquished the vial, the man consumed its contents and discarded the glass on the floor before retracing his steps. Jayce stood nonchalantly, as though indifferent to the man they had awaited all night. He extended his hand to Molly, who accepted it while rising, her books secured in her pouch. The spice merchant acknowledged Jayce with a single nod before shutting his shop. Molly clutched his arm firmly as they trailed as far from the man as possible. She doubted he would observe them regardless. Such poison impeded respiration, much less the ability to perceive one’s environment.
He deviated from the path and stumbled slightly towards the periphery of the village. Upon reaching the trees, he bent over and began to cough violently. Jayce released Molly from his grasp and signalled for her to remain as he stealthily approached the man from behind.
Jayce seized the man by the shoulder, pivoted him, and then propelled him against a tree. “Did you believe I would not locate you?”
The man seemed dazed and confused when Jayce shoved him against the tree. It took a few moments to register what was happening before his eyes widened in pure fear and recognition. “I-”
Jayce slammed his head back against the tree and dragged the man further into the woods. Molly hesitated and looked around to see no one was nearby before she followed him.
Beckham was already there by the time Molly found them again. The man was shoved on the floor between Jayce and Beckham, he had his hands up as if he could ward off their blows. but even Molly knew it was no use acting helpless.
“Who are you and why were you targeting the prince?” Beckham demanded. He quickly stepped on the man’s hand when he tried to move away from them. Molly cringed at the sound of his bones cracking. It brought her right back to the room with Rowan when he did the same to her. She took a small step back and wrapped her arms around herself.
There was a bit of clarity in his eyes when he looked at the men that towered over him. Perhaps the dose of cure was already working in his system. Regrettably, it will soon become inconsequential.
“I am uncertain about the subject of your discussion.”
Beckham struck the man in the face, while Molly averted her gaze. “That is not what we requested. We are aware of your involvement with the faction of wolves that attempted to assassinate the prince.” Beckham knelt and grasped the man by his chin to compel him to meet his gaze. “Who dispatched you?”
“I am unaware of what you are referring to!” the man exclaimed, attempting to extricate himself from Beckham’s grasp, yet Beckham maintained his hold. It evoked distressing recollections of the palace… Did they all employ t*****e to extract information from individuals?
“Where are you from? Why have you come for the prince?” Beckham enquired, his patience waning.
“We originated from Life Pharmacy. We learnt of the prince’s proximity and recognised his untrustworthiness. The royal family has been our adversary for decades. We convened and devised a strategy to track his carriage and strike at the opportune moment.”
Jayce adjusted his position slightly. He turned to ensure Molly remained nearby before returning his gaze to the man. “I sensed someone trailing me. For how long?”
“Three days. You were never solitary; the confrontation at Colton’s camp presented an ideal opportunity.”
“Who is the proprietor of Life Pharmacy?” Beckham enquired. The man attempted to move away once more, but Beckham compelled him to remain in position before striking him. “Did you comprehend my statement?”
“Colton performs the action.”
The assembly became immobile. Beckham and Jayce exchanged glances, but Molly was unable to see Jayce’s expression. Molly was certain that Colton had no involvement in this matter.
“Did Colton instruct you to murder me?” Jayce enquired with a hint of venom in his tone.
“Our group reached a consensus.” The man retorted. Molly recoiled; it would not conclude favourably for him if he believed it prudent to retort.
Beckham enquired, “Who else comprises your group? What are their names?”
The man abruptly began to laugh. He reclined his head in the snow and shut his eyes. “I will never betray my brothers. You may as well end my life now.”
“You heard the man,” Jayce stated as he pivoted towards Molly and grasped her arm to guide her away. “Eliminate him immediately.”
“Stop! No!” the man shouted. A resounding smack echoed behind them as they exited the woods. Jayce grasped her arm firmly to prevent her from looking back. She was aware of his death prior to their departure from earshot. It was peculiar to consider that merely a few weeks prior, she had not truly encountered death. It was omnipresent in every direction she faced.
