“He provided no justification for my refusal.” Colton adjusted the sleeves of his coat. “Are we finished here? The prince has departed, and while you may inspect every cabin if you wish, it is quite late. My people prefer not to forfeit their rest for trivial issues.”
A figure emerged from the crowd and whispered into the man’s ear, causing Molly’s insides to freeze upon recognising him. The guard apprehended Jayce while he was kissing her in the corridors. He was gazing directly at her, and she was aware that there was no possibility he had overlooked her presence.
The man directed his attention towards her, prompting Molly to wish for invisibility. Colton likely observed the situation, as he shifted slightly in front of her; however, the harm had already occurred. They were aware of her identity.
“You continue to shield them rather than your own kin. Did you dispatch her to surveil us, Colton?” the man enquired, his voice laced with betrayal. Molly contemplated whether Jayce was correct; perhaps she ought not to have remained despite her noble intentions.
“She is uninvolved in their politics; she was sold to the palace at a young age and has come here seeking her own freedom.”
“Do not deceive!” the man bellowed once more. Colton appeared indifferent. “She was observed at Life Pharmacy merely hours ago in the company of a man! Was it the prince you permitted to accompany her? Why Colton? They are not members of your pack; we are! We merit your allegiance!”
Colton remained silent for a moment. “I extend my loyalty to you; however, I have a disdain for deceit. It appears I am not the sole individual who has conversed with a palace representative. I have credible information indicating that you have accepted bribes from a royal member to pursue the prince. Why would you prioritise their directives over mine? You are collaborating directly with a palace official, whereas I have merely entertained their propositions.”
The man swallowed and surveyed the apprehensive expressions of those behind him. It is evident that they were unaware of the bribe; was he appropriating the entirety for his own benefit? Molly quietly wished it instilled a degree of distrust in him, akin to what she felt towards Colton.
“Why don’t we resolve this as men, Colton? Wolf to wolf,” he declared, his chest inflated. Molly would have laughed had he not appeared utterly deranged.
Colton laughed on her behalf. “And what? Engage in a lethal struggle for dominance? You are aware that victory would elude you.”
The man growled. “Confront me, you coward!” he exclaimed, his fists tightly clenched.
Colton exhaled deeply and relinquished his elegant coat to an individual in proximity. “I trust you informed your family of your absence; I would dislike being the one to elucidate your poor decisions to them.” He surveyed those present. “No other individuals are to be involved, or they will face immediate peril. This is our contest; all others should retreat and remain uninvolved!”
Molly swiftly retreated with the crowd and observed as Colton metamorphosed into his splendid wolf form. The man metamorphosed into a brown wolf that appeared distinctly menacing a minute later. Colton snapped his jaws at the other wolf before leading him into the bushes for private resolution. A duel to the death? That was the final statement she anticipated Colton to utter.
Molly immediately lost visual contact with them, yet she soon heard their cries and the sounds of biting commence. The remainder of the crowd proceeded to follow them, while Molly remained by the fire, her arms crossed over her chest. She refrained from witnessing the outcome, instead offering prayers to the moon goddess for Colton’s safety. He warranted a penalty. His strength and speed surpassed that of most wolves, which is why he held the position of leader among the rogues. She could merely await its resolution before departing.
A hand clasped over her mouth and pulled her behind the cabins towards the awaiting carriages as she attempted to kick and strike the assailant. Molly struggled more intensely and attempted to transform into her wolf, but felt a needle pierce the side of her neck before she could permit Cordelia to assume control.
“Do not be concerned,” the voice stated. She faltered slightly and collapsed into their embrace as her surroundings abruptly changed; trepidation infiltrated her being upon perceiving shadows at the periphery of her sight. The ground appeared poised to engulf her entirely, while her head felt as though it might detach from her shoulders. “I have apprehended you now.”
Molly could scarcely turn her head to observe a masked man hoisting her into one of the rogue’s carriages. She perceived nothing further the instant the door shut behind them.
