Her wolf remained silent as she stepped into the snow, yet she sensed its presence linger, prepared to support Molly whenever necessary. She presumed that Jayce and his companions had already departed. She expelled his visage from her thoughts. Molly vowed to rectify her relationship with Kylie when it was secure in this environment. A semblance of freedom was preferable to never experiencing it, and Kylie merited her own.
Colton regarded her with a hint of astonishment evident on his countenance. “I assumed you had departed, as I observed Jayce leaving with the others.”
Molly stated, “They departed; I wished to remain and assist.” Colton’s expression softened slightly.
“I cannot request you to undertake such a task. You lack training as a wolf.”
“In light of your numerous acts of kindness towards me, I feel compelled to assist. I could not depart with the knowledge that you might be in pain.”
Colton gently grasped her shoulder. “Molly, I believe none of us are worthy of you. Your intentions are more virtuous than anyone I have ever encountered.”
“I merely intended-”
“They are approaching!”
Colton positioned Molly behind him, attempting to conceal her discreetly. She observed a trace of his own anxiety manifest in his gaze. All of this transpired due to her. If she had not participated in this trip, she would not have been abducted, and Colton would not have faced repercussions from his own group for permitting Jayce to remain. It was invariably her fault, was it not? “Molly, you need not assume the role of a hero for me today. Your presence suffices, and I am capable of managing them in this state. Please refrain from worrying about me, I assure you.” Colton whispered.
Molly was unable to reply before he turned to confront the approaching carriages alongside the other villagers. None of them wished to depart from Colton’s presence. They exhibited excessive concern for their benevolent leader, and Molly was grateful for that, at the very least. He was an exemplary individual deserving of loyalty. She nearly held the same opinion of Jayce prior to his departure. However, this was not the moment for reflection; she ought to have been more discerning.
At the forefront of the crowd stood a man with grey and black hair, secured in a bun atop his head. He appeared slightly older than Colton and somewhat shorter as well. Was this the individual whom Molly had overheard in his office earlier? It was necessary.
“Colton, you appear prepared for a confrontation,” the man remarked with a hint of insincere benevolence. He bared his incisive teeth at his leader, prompting Molly to immediately identify the voice she believed belonged to him.
“I presume it is advantageous that I am. I did not anticipate a significant contingent of my pack arriving in the middle of the night.” Colton positioned his hands behind his back with composure and maintained a nonchalant tone. “What motivates your presence here this evening? Our subsequent full moon celebration is scheduled for another week.”
The man surveyed the crowd with an intensity that pierced her like a blade before his gaze moved on. His absence at Life Pharmacy provided a minor relief, yet it was insufficient to assure her that everything would be well. “I have heard that your village recently hosted several intriguing visitors. It is rumoured that you are safeguarding the prince here. That cannot possibly be accurate, can it? Our leader would never permit such a situation.”
“He was present, but departed some time ago,” Colton stated nonchalantly. “He arrived for a conversation and requested to wait out a storm. I perceived no detriment in this, so I acquiesced.”
“How could you permit our adversaries to reside among us? How could you extend them safety and protection after they have slain numerous members of our community merely striving to survive? Do our lives hold no significance for you?”
“The prince intended no harm towards me or my villagers; he sought peace, and I opted to listen to him as your leader, as your lives are my utmost priority,” Colton stated with a sharpness in his tone. Molly attempted to remain inconspicuous in the crowd, yet she was convinced she sensed scrutiny upon her. “I understand that you disagree with my perspective on leadership; however, that does not justify any form of unnecessary violence towards anyone, including the prince.”
“No harm? I have heard of the numerous rogues he has slain in pursuit of a girl. How is that considered peaceful?” the man bellowed.
Colton stated, “He endeavoured to safeguard an individual he cherished, who was abducted by obstinate rogues. They attempted to t*****e her without justification and nearly ended her life as a result. If any of you had your spouse or child seized, you would react similarly.”
“All I perceive is your justification of his slaughtering our wolves! A genuine leader would seek retribution, not permit him to charm his way into their favour! What was his purpose for being here, Colton? To extract information from you?”
Colton stated, “He sought to reunite the rogues with the kingdom.” The man chuckled cynically.
“That is ironic. You trust a prince with one of the most notorious reputations?”
