Molly whispered, “I was uncertain whether you would return for me. I am grateful that you did.”
Jayce remained silent. He gazed ahead, allowing the silence to occupy the voids in her thoughts. Although acknowledging that he returned for her may have been overwhelming, it did not alter the reality of his actions. He rescued her once more, despite her vow to cease seeking salvation. If it were from him, she was indifferent.
“I never departed,” Jayce stated softly, nearly as if he had not spoken at all.
Molly raised her head to gaze at him. “What?”
“I did not travel more than a mile from Colton’s camp. I missed you by mere seconds upon my return.”
Molly attempted to suppress the lump in her throat and the warmth that enveloped her heart like a vaporous cloud. “Did you not depart?”
“I was unable to.” Jayce gazed ahead, his eyes averted from hers.
Molly attempted to reposition herself to capture his attention. She grasped his face to redirect it towards her. Ultimately, she observed his gaze return to her. “Why were you unable to depart? Articulate it.”
Jayce’s azure eyes briefly scanned her visage. A subtle conflict emerged behind those eyes, yet she could not discern which aspect of him was prevailing. “Due to my inability to depart from you.”
Molly caressed his cheek with her thumb and leaned in to bestow a gentle kiss. She would never have anticipated his capacity for such tenderness, yet the subtle aspect could not remain concealed from her indefinitely. She compelled him to divulge it.
Jayce retracted and grasped her hand that cupped his face. “Please be candid with me. Did they inflict any harm upon you? You may confide in me if they did.”
Molly replied swiftly, “No.” “I fell into that hole and sprained my ankles, yet they did not inflict any harm upon me. Initially, they were kind and respectful; however, towards the end, their patience waned, but they did not cause me any injury.”
Jayce acquiesced and reclined his head against the wall, shutting his eyes. Not long ago, he witnessed Vera nearly assault her to death, and all he did was advise her to maintain greater discretion regarding the matter. How rapidly the night had transformed between them. What transformation would they undergo upon re-entering his palace?
“I wish to assist tomorrow. If my wolf returns by morning, I intend to participate in the battle.” Molly stated cautiously, as though navigating around a bear.
Jayce’s eyes widened, and he grasped her hand more firmly. She flinched, prompting him to withdraw. “Are you insane? No. You are the primary target for abduction. They are aware that you are my vulnerability, and they all recognise your appearance now.”
Molly disregarded the unease in her stomach at his remarks. She despised that he induced feelings of anxiety akin to those of a schoolgirl, despite her maturity; however, she was powerless to change it. “If we remain in proximity, they will not have the opportunity to abduct me. Furthermore, if you abandon me here, the likelihood of their capturing me again increases.”
Jayce squinted at her. “I could simply remain here with you to ensure that does not occur.”
“Shall we wait until they are all deceased outside? That is insanity!” Molly exclaimed, crossing her arms over her chest. “We must assist them. Once my wolf awakens, she will seek retribution for herself.”
“I am aware of that,” Jayce muttered. “I fully intend to assist tomorrow and terminate this conflict or whatever it has devolved into. I would appreciate it if you refrained from jeopardising your life at every opportunity.”
“I am merely attempting to assist, Jayce. I did not request to be a target-”
“No, but you are one regardless of your preferences.” Jayce exhaled exasperatedly while gazing at the ceiling. His fatigue was palpable; she contemplated when he had last experienced even a moment of rest. Perhaps not since her initial abduction.
“If I remain close to you, you can maintain vigilance at the very least,” Molly murmured. She approached him once more and rested her head on his shoulder as though it were destined for her. Jayce exhaled deeply once more and shut his eyes.
“Understood. However, if your wolf lacks its strength upon awakening, I will restrain you to a tree, preventing your access to the battlefield.”
The following morning, Molly awoke with a headache excruciating enough to be lethal. Jayce remained beside her, his arm casually resting across her body. She delicately repositioned his arm sufficiently to extricate herself from his grasp.
“At last, you are awake,” a voice remarked within her. Molly recoiled at the noise.
“Cordelia?” Molly enquired tentatively within her thoughts. She cast a glance at Jayce, who remained in a deep slumber.
“Who else?” Cordelia muttered. “Have you missed my presence?”
“I believed you had departed—I sensed your absence entirely.” Molly rose to pace around the extinguished fire. She searched for an object to reignite it but found nothing.
Cordelia internally laughed, perceiving it as an elaborate jest. Molly experienced an overwhelming impulse to embrace her with relief. “They desire to have silenced me indefinitely. I remain present.”
“Where did you…depart?” Molly enquired.
“I was asleep. All I perceived was darkness until I abruptly awoke to find you here with our companion.” Cordelia expressed her approval. “I anticipated your return. Do not assume I overlooked your enjoyable evening.”
Molly swiftly remarked, her face reddened, “This is not the appropriate moment for that.” “Upon Jayce’s awakening, we must assist Colton before it becomes too late. I hope he is faring well, wherever he may be.”
“Do I not merit a day off?” Cordelia lamented. Molly experienced a simultaneous desire to strike her and embrace her. “I observed Colton’s resilience; he is capable of self-sufficiency. His wolf is nearly as powerful as Jayce’s and significantly stronger than all the other rogues we have encountered.”
“What are you engaged in?” Jayce enquired. Molly ceased her pacing and turned to discover him alert with vigilant eyes.
Molly indicated her head, stating, “My wolf—she is awake.” Jayce expressed his disdain by rolling his eyes.
“Oh, she is? Excellent. I presume you are prepared for combat then?” Jayce enquired as he rose to his feet.
“Could you elucidate what transpired with me?” Cordelia enquired with a nonchalant demeanour, suggesting a lack of genuine concern.
“We were administered drugs, primarily to incapacitate you for several days, preventing me from defending myself,” Molly stated quietly. Jayce elevated his eyebrows.
“You appear to be engaged in a profound discussion; should I depart?”
“No, certainly not—I am done now, I assure you.” Molly approached the cave entrance and gazed outside. “It is morning; we should depart and seek Colton’s whereabouts.”
“Colton this, Colton that.” Jayce brushed past her and donned his coat. His shirt lay dishevelled on the floor, and she experienced a tingling sensation on her skin merely by observing him. How was he not experiencing hypothermia? “He will be fine,” Jayce muttered.
“How shall we locate him and the remainder of your royal entourage? They must be frantic in their search for you throughout the night.” Molly trailed behind him through the snow. He embarked in a direction unthinkingly, while she pondered how he could consistently exhibit such certainty.
“I instructed them to remain with Colton and assist him while I pursued you. They are aware that my return will not be imminent,” Jayce stated softly. His footsteps were delicate as he traversed the snow, and Molly endeavoured to replicate them. She clutched his arm as she began to lose her balance.
