They rushed through the camp in a fraction of the time it took to reach Life Pharmacy. It was entirely vacant; she surmised that everyone had already retired for the night. Jayce dismounted his horse immediately upon its halt and assisted Molly in descending before hastening to Colton’s cabin to rap forcefully on his door.
Molly and Beckham traversed each alternate cabin to rouse the occupants and assemble them in the courtyard. They implored her to disclose the situation, but she could only continue her progress. She lacked the time to elucidate to each individual; she needed to expedite their movement to the courtyard.
Colton appeared as though he had not slept, impeccably attired as if it were daytime. Jayce must have informed him already, as his expression was utterly grave, devoid of any trace of a smile.
“Everyone!” he exclaimed above the murmurs. They immediately fell silent and gathered around him as he stood atop one of the logs surrounding the extinguished fire. “Time is of the essence. It appears there is a traitor among us, and I lack the opportunity to identify them at present. Some members of our group from Life Pharmacy are approaching to ambush us for permitting the royals to remain here.”
“What?!” several individuals exclaimed. Jayce approached her, and she immediately felt somewhat less anxious in his presence. As implausible as that appeared.
“I am offering you the opportunity to depart and ensure your safety; however, I would value your presence as I endeavour to resolve this matter.”
“Can you resolve this? How many attendees are expected?” enquired an individual at the front. Their tones were resounding with panic.
“I am uncertain; it may range from dozens to hundreds. I cannot assure that this situation will remain orderly, but I am determined to resolve it before it escalates into conflict within my pack.”
“What will you do? Abandon them?” another person enquired. Jayce tensed beside her as she grasped his arm.
“No. That does not align with our principles. We advocate for freedom and choices, not for torment and manipulation. They are pursuing outdated illusions, and I refuse to participate. I will not allow them to victimise virtuous individuals for the sake of cruelty.”
Molly surveyed the crowd and observed an increased presence of Jayce’s guards encircling their location. They gradually approached the prince, as though fearing he might be seized at that moment.
“They are approaching for confrontation; how can we prevent this?”
“We will be prepared for them. I will remain here all night if necessary, and I will compel them to speak.” His gaze shifted to Jayce. “Should you wish to depart before this escalates, I would not hold it against you. This does not pertain to you.”
Jayce elevated his chin slightly. “It may be prudent for my party to depart. Remaining may exacerbate the situation.”
Molly was incredulous at what she was hearing. She opened her mouth to protest, but he subdued her with a glare. Colton acknowledged with a single nod.
“I respect your decision and hope our paths intersect again in the future.”
“What do you mean we are not remaining?” Molly enquired as soon as the cabin door shut, while Jayce traversed the room to create space between them. “Are you irrational? Colton assisted us during our time of greatest need, and now you intend to abandon him when he requires our support?”
Jayce exhaled in exasperation. “You lack comprehension of self-preservation, do you not? If we remain, they will annihilate everyone in this camp to reach me. They have grown weary of Colton’s leadership and are eager for a pretext to liberate themselves from him. It is unwise for us to interfere in their conflicts. It is his pack, not mine.”
“If they intend to eliminate him, we must ensure that we remain and assist him, Jayce.” Molly folded her arms across her chest. Her feet were firmly planted on the ground; nothing would compel her to depart. Not even he at his most irritable.
Jayce appeared on the verge of exploding. She was indifferent; she no longer feared him. If he harmed her, she would return with vengeance prepared for him. Her days of residing in fear were long past.
“What is it that you fail to comprehend? If we remain, we exacerbate their situation. They might be able to extricate themselves from this predicament if we depart. I am attempting to prevent further conflict for both them and us.”
“We should at least conceal ourselves nearby to prevent a fatal outcome; do we not owe them that much? Colton has saved my life multiple times, and I refuse to repay him in this manner. He permitted you to remain with him, fully aware of the implications, and now observe our current predicament.”
Jayce forcefully struck his hand on the table opposite her. The noise caused her to recoil. “We are departing. If necessary, I will secure you to the rear of my horse. Gather your belongings immediately. We lack the time for any further delays! I should have proceeded directly to the palace instead of coming here to issue a warning.”
Molly experienced an intense surge of rage within her. How audacious of him to dictate her actions? She endeavoured to assist her friend, while he sought to abandon them to perish. “No. How could you possibly assert that?” Molly replied through gritted teeth. Jayce squinted at her and advanced a step. “Should you lay a hand on me, I shall transform into my wolf and rend you asunder.”
“You do not possess that level of influence over me. I will perpetually surpass you in strength.”
“You are unaware of my capabilities.” Molly raised her chin. Jayce’s expression transitioned from fury to an impassive calm in mere seconds. It was alarming to witness an individual transition so rapidly, as though he were shifting from one persona to another.
“You wish to remain and protect him? Be my guest. I will not jeopardise my men’s lives for a servant and her paramour.”
