Molly diverted her gaze from the dreadful conflagration to observe Jayce grasping his chest, but he was not alone. Each rogue and royal guard exhibited the same distress. One by one, they collapsed to the ground as if experiencing cardiac arrest. Molly emerged from the trees and sprinted towards Jayce with all her might.
Upon seeing her, his eyes reflected sheer terror. “No!” Retreat!He shouted.
She disregarded his entreaties and collapsed beside him. “Jayce, what is occurring?”
“You must depart before it affects you as well-” He groaned and shut his eyes tightly. Molly placed her hands over his, but he merely attempted to push her away.
“Depart from this location!”“He reiterated.”
Jayce! What is occurring with you?She was uncertain how to assist him; he appeared to be grappling with an internal struggle—and then it dawned on her.
The excruciating pain coursed through her body, causing her to collapse beside him. He extended his hand towards her, but it was too late.
The centre of her chest ignited with an unprecedented intensity. Molly grasped the area with her hands, yet it provided no alleviation from the agony. Jayce approached and seized her chin, compelling her to meet his gaze.
Where is the pain most intense?He enquired in a strained tone. Molly silently indicated her chest. He lifted his hand beneath her shirt and caressed the area that burned, eliciting a loud groan from her. “It will subside; it is nearly over.”
Molly gazed at him with wide eyes. What was nearing completion? What was transpiring with her—or any of them?
Individually, the individuals nearby began to sit upright and massage various parts of their bodies. Were they experiencing the sensation of their skin attempting to dissolve, as she had?
It felt as though her heart was on the verge of exploding from her chest. Jayce was speaking, but she could not discern a word. The only sound she perceived was the overwhelming pressure in her ears. She was convinced she was on the brink of death.
Was she vocalising in distress? It was indeterminate.
Minutes elapsed, and abruptly the pain ceased entirely, as though it had never existed. Molly opened her eyes to find Jayce still leaning over her, accompanied by Colton. Sound returned to her, but it felt as if she were submerged underwater momentarily while Jayce repeatedly called her name.
What just transpired?Molly gasped, struggling to articulate the words, which did not resemble her own voice.
“You were bound by the blood promise,” Jayce stated calmly. His blue eyes swiftly transitioned from concern to rage. “What were you doing out here?” I informed you that I did not desire your presence here! You were expected to remain in the cabin!
Molly sat up gradually, her heart racing. “What do you mean I have been designated by the blood promise?”Molly felt an overwhelming urge to tear her hair out and scream, yet her voice betrayed her. “You failed to explain why I should not attend!” Your sole communication was expressing your desire for my absence. How was I to anticipate that it would leave a lasting impression on me?
How could he feasibly reverse this situation and attribute blame to her? He merely instilled feelings of rejection in her, rather than acting in his own interest. Molly’s fury surged back, constricting her throat. He was within reach; she could strike him at this moment if she possessed any strength.
“The blood promise signifies all those sufficiently close to the flames to fulfil it.” Jayce, filled with anger, unbuttoned his shirt to reveal the mark beneath. His skin bore a blood drop seared directly down the centre, still vivid red as if the burning had yet to cease. Molly restrained herself from reaching out to touch it; it was no larger than her thumb.
“Is that what I possess as well?”Molly placed her hand on her clothing. She was on the verge of choking him. “Why didn’t you simply explain why you wished to avoid being here?”
Jayce gazed skyward and inhaled deeply. “I anticipated your compliance, not opposition.” You never opposed my desires at the palace.
“I am not a maid; I am an individual with emotions—someone who experiences the sting of your words whenever you carelessly direct them at me.” Molly rose to her feet, disregarding his outstretched hand, and brushed the snow from her trousers. “What does this mark signify?”
You are equally bound to the promise as Jayce is. “You must adhere to the regulations and ensure that no rogue is mistreated,” Colton interjected, glancing anxiously between them, uncertain of how to proceed.
What if he severes the connection?Molly surveyed his guards. “What will become of us?”
