Jayce adjusted slightly beneath her. “I tracked your scent.” It required several hours to attain sufficient strength.
What are the hours?Molly whispered. She had been outside for hours, and he had not ceased his search for her. A fragment of Molly softened, and she endeavoured to suppress that sentiment. It was a futile emotion that would yield no positive outcome; she reminded herself of this each time he revealed a facet of himself that he typically concealed. She recognised the presence of a modicum of kindness beneath his rugged exterior, yet she was reluctant to become too emotionally invested, aware that it was perilous.
She perceived the wind’s howls intensify, attempting to infiltrate the air pockets surrounding the rocks he positioned at the entrance. She was astonished that the force did not displace them, given the volume of the sound. She feebly extended her frozen hands towards the fire, allowing them to thaw gradually, along with the remainder of her body.
“What prompted your arrival for me?”Molly enquired abruptly. Why did he persist? Since their arrival, she had encountered considerable difficulties, leaving her perplexed as to why he wished for her survival at this juncture. It would have been simpler for him to abandon her and proceed. She impeded his progress and compelled him to commit reprehensible acts in her defense—was she truly worth such sacrifices?
“Why would I not?” Jayce grumbled, sounding more declarative than interrogative. “I observed you depart prior to the onset of the storm.”
Molly flexed her fingers in an attempt to restore sensation. “I merely assumed you would not be concerned,” she remarked.
Almost immediately after she spoke, it appeared to be an inappropriate remark. His body stiffened against her back. He pushed her away and rose to his feet. She observed as he brushed off his trousers, as if wishing to eliminate any evidence of her presence. She instantly missed his warmth; he regarded her with a hint of disdain, and she compelled herself to endure the absence.
“It is difficult to comprehend that I would?”He spat. Molly pursed her lips.
“I am uncertain whether you genuinely like me most of the time,” Molly stated, hesitating as he narrowed his eyes at her.
“You may hold your own beliefs.” “Nothing I do will alter that.” Jayce positioned himself at the opposite end of the cave. She sensed his fury, palpable enough to be grasped and crushed in her hands. It was as vibrant as he was.
“That is inaccurate.” “Actions convey more significance than words, which is why I am perplexed,” Molly confessed, burying her face in his coat. It bore a potent scent reminiscent of him, and a part of her yearned to capture the fragrance and carry it with her always.
He remained silent in response to her remarks. Perhaps he was perplexed. Perhaps he engaged in a comparable struggle as she did, both attempting to evade the truth until exhaustion set in. She was content to remain obstinate, as it felt more secure.
“I couldn’t change out there into my wolf when I wanted to.” Molly said after a few minutes of silence. He didn’t look at her, he only kept his blue eyes on the flames.
“It does not manifest at will,” he stated. “It is challenging to control it when it is still unfamiliar to you.”
Molly scowled and reclined against the cave wall. She shut her eyes and wrapped her arms around her legs, drawing them to her chest. “At this pace, I will never acquire knowledge.”
“I told you I would teach you.” Jayce said. He sounded almost as if he was bored. “It won’t be easy. I dislike it when individuals express grievances.
Molly opened her eyes and observed him across the fire. He refused to meet her gaze again, and she did not hold it against him. She was not particularly appealing, and she likely resembled an ungrateful spectre.
Thank you for retrieving me, Jayce. “I would have perished without you.”
Jayce’s gaze shifted to her. She momentarily held her breath as his eyes scanned her completely. He did not respond to her words; he merely inclined his head slightly.
“What is your inquiry?””He stated.”
What?
Do you desire my assistance in your training or not?
Affirmative. Molly expressed her strong desire. She swallowed and looked at the flames, contemplating how long it would take to gain the ability to change at will. She questioned whether she truly desired such a capability. Perhaps it was advantageous that she could not change, as it might allow her to disregard the issue until her demise.
They remained silent for hours until she fell asleep. She was reluctant to broach the subject of politics so soon after their previous argument. What if he abandoned her amidst the turmoil upon recalling her disinterest in accompanying him?
Upon opening her eyes, she discovered the fire extinguished and the rocks displaced from the entrance. Jayce was absent. Molly swiftly rose, needing to steady herself against the wall as the room whirled around her. She felt on the verge of collapse momentarily. How long had it been since her last meal?
Once the world was restored, she cautiously exited the small entrance and discovered Jayce gazing at the clear skies. He did not turn to her as he spoke. “It is safe to return now.”
Molly bit her lip and surveyed the pristine day. The sky was unclouded, allowing her to discern every tree for miles. The ground appeared densely covered with fresh snow, which she surmised was several inches deeper than the previous night.
