She attempted to summon her wolf as usual, but was met only with silence. Part of her speculated whether they had merely administered a greater quantity of the drug referenced by Joseph. When, then, would she next hear from her wolf? When will her suffering conclude?
“…regarding their observations. I doubt they plan to postpone until morning.” Molly swiftly shut her eyes once more upon hearing voices approaching, reverberating off the stone walls. A nearby door had opened and swiftly shut.
“Summon them immediately. I do not wish for them to be present when we deploy our forces against them,” Mr. Hugh stated.
“Colton may be prepared for us if we proceed in that manner,” remarked another recognisable voice. Joseph?
“Even better. I relish a formidable confrontation,” Mr. Hugh growled. Molly clenched her eyes shut, yet panic surged in her throat. They intended to ambush Colton and Jayce. Once more.
“Maintain a minimum of ten guards here to ensure she does not attempt to escape again. She excels at feigning innocence, but we are now aware of the deception behind that facade.”
“Understood, sir. We will identify a location to secure her in case they attempt to retrieve her here. I suspect the prince may attempt such an action.”
“It would be more manageable to maintain her unconsciousness throughout this process; you may wish to contemplate this, as her awakening could enable her to summon him.”
“Acknowledged.”
Molly listened as silence ensued. She was uncertain whether they were observing her intently or conveying messages silently, yet she endeavoured to remain as motionless as possible. Could they perceive her heart attempting to escape from her chest?
Shortly, one set of footsteps receded while another approached. Molly experienced a sensation of constriction in her chest, accompanied by increasingly laboured breathing.
“I am aware that you are awake, Molly,” Joseph stated softly. Molly gradually opened her eyes to find him gazing down at her. She suppressed the lump in her throat; he appeared entirely displeased to see her. He regarded her as though she were a rat discovered on the floor.
“Will they assault Colton’s camp?” Molly enquired abruptly. She attempted to sit up, but each slight movement triggered a surge of pain. “This was merely a grand spectacle, was it not? A trade was never forthcoming—I was aware of it.”
“Colton has neglected his constituents for an extended period. He has become an indolent leader, and we must now compel him to achieve greatness,” Joseph articulated with familiarity. Molly squinted at him. He disregarded her gaze. “He must either take initiative or be removed.”
“Do you genuinely believe that? Are you prepared to assault the camp where Sir Antony resides?”
“Our founder is impervious to harm; his power is too formidable to challenge. Joseph looked over his shoulder to ensure they were not being overheard.” She surveyed the vacant room, which contained only rows of benches and a podium at the front, devoid of any other occupants.
“If that is accurate, why not allow him to determine the course of action instead of instigating a conflict among your people? He possesses the wisdom to discern what is best for the rogues. He initiated your group.”
Mr. Hugh contends that Colton has betrayed us and is collaborating with the palace. His allegiance to his people rather than the prince could serve as evidence to the contrary. Sir Antony need not intervene; he is elderly-
“He will not align himself with those who are assailing him prior to an agreement! Do you comprehend the absurdity of that statement? He anticipates your commitment to be honoured, not undermined.” Molly wished to shake Joseph to make him understand the ludicrousness of the situation. She rose from the ground and embraced herself. Her jumper provided negligible warmth against the cold; she might as well have been unclothed. His gaze briefly traversed her, suggesting awareness, yet he remained silent.
“You lack comprehension.” Joseph averted his gaze from her. Molly suppressed her feelings of guilt. Regardless of her actions, she could not evade the sensation that she was perpetually to blame when issues arose.
“Do you believe they will not attempt to come here and capture me? They are aware of my location!”
“Numerous individuals are currently present to obstruct entry into this location, with additional reinforcements en route to his camp. Their awareness of your location is inconsequential.”
Molly remarked through clenched teeth, “I believe you underestimate Prince Jayce’s determination.” Joseph slightly narrowed his eyes.
“Oh? Merely a maid? I believed you claimed you were nothing beyond that.”
“He disapproves of individuals appropriating what he perceives as his. I am employed by the palace, thus I am qualified-”
“Preserve your efforts, Molly. It is evident to all what you signify to him. It is unwise for you to attempt to persuade us otherwise. No one was convinced by your claims.”
Molly scowled and positioned herself on one of the benches.
“No, rise. I must relocate you. This area is excessively exposed; I would not want you to venture into the snow again.” He seized Molly’s arm and compelled her to stand. Molly fixed him with a glare as he surveyed the room.
“This is merely a church; I doubt there is any place for me to-”
“There.” He interjected and pulled her to the centre of the room, his gaze fixed on the floor. Molly directed her gaze and observed precisely what he was observing.
“Underground? No, I do not fare well in darkness.”
“You appeared to be well after the cells.” He liberated her and elevated the wooden planks. She must have inflicted significant harm upon him if he was behaving so aloofly. Alternatively, this may have been his true nature, and his previous kindness was merely a means to an end. Men have consistently exhibited kindness towards attractive women when seeking to obtain something from them.
Joseph removed five boards before gazing into the cavity. Molly dismissed a disturbing thought, realising it was futile to confront him. Numerous guards were probably stationed just outside the door, anticipating her to attempt such an action again.
“It appears satisfactory. Proceed there.”
“Do you believe it would be difficult for someone to hear me from below? Frankly, Joseph, what is the purpose of confining me in a pit?”
Joseph seized her arm and compelled her to press against him. “This is to ensure you do not attempt to flee. I am indifferent to who may hear you below; they will never locate you if they cannot enter this space.”
Joseph elevated her by her waist and released her directly into the abyss. She fell forcefully onto her legs and asserted that she had twisted both ankles upon impact. Upon her scream, she perceived him draw in a sharp breath. It is beneficial for him to experience remorse.
“I will deliver food shortly.”
“Stop!” Molly exclaimed, her voice reverberating in return. “Do not abandon me here, I implore you!”
Joseph appeared to falter. The pit was significantly deeper than she had anticipated, and there was nothing for her to hold onto in order to escape. He appeared diminutive at the apex of the hole. For an instant, she believed she had reached him. However, he began to confine her by repositioning the boards to their original locations.
“Joseph!” Molly shouted. “I apologise! I believe I have fractured my ankle!”
He hesitated momentarily before proceeding. Molly screamed until the final board was secured, confining her in her own darkness.
Silence responded to her cries. Their return resonated within her, more haunting than anything else in this place. Only lines of light illuminated the space above her. Molly felt confined, pondering the purpose of this space. If she extended both arms, her fingertips would touch the walls.
She may not have been the initial individual compelled to descend here by the rogues. Defending them became increasingly difficult as half exhibited such cruelty. They muted her wolf, rendering her defenceless, and exploited her as a means of leverage. Just as she began to believe they were not as reprehensible as she had presumed, they contradicted her expectations. Once more. Colton inspired her to reconsider granting them a second opportunity, yet she now regretted that decision.
