“Regrettably, it would culminate in the same consequence,” Colton remarked gently. Molly inferred the unspoken implication—it would result in their demise if Jayce chose to violate the vow. However, what of the others?
“I have no intention of violating my commitment,” Jayce stated through clenched teeth. Molly wearily ran her fingers through her lengthy hair.
This was contrary to her current needs. It further obstructed her pursuit of the freedom she desired. In addition to her mate mark, she remained bound to Jayce. It would perpetually persist.
Excellent. “I am retiring for the night,” Molly murmured as she turned to return to her cabin. She did not perceive anyone trailing her, and her disappointment was only partial. She desired solitude to allow her thoughts to dominate her mind, yet she also wished for companionship on her return to avoid confronting her thoughts in isolation.
Molly shut the door and promptly entered the bathroom to examine her mark. At the centre of her chest, a blood drop was etched into her skin. She traced the shape with her finger, hoping it was merely a superficial cut that would eventually fade, yet it already appeared to be healed.
Molly ascended into bed and succumbed to her fatigue before her thoughts resumed.
In the late afternoon, Molly awoke to discover a substantial arm resting across her body. Gradually, she turned to observe Jayce asleep beside her, shirtless. Typically, his bare chest would captivate her attention, yet she felt indifferent as her gaze landed on his corresponding mark.
Molly began to shift away from him, but he intensified his grip. His eyes were fully open when she glanced back at him.
“To what destination are you proceeding?”He enquired.
It is late in the day. Molly expressed her desire to go for a walk and obtain some fresh air. However, when she attempted to move, he remained unyielding, pulling her closer. She contemplated whether to bite him, aware that he might misinterpret the gesture and become aroused.
“This mark will not impact you as you believe it will.” You would not be unkind to the rogues, nor would you abuse or betray them. One can navigate through life and remain oblivious to its existence.
“I presume it is advantageous that I possess numerous significant scars now. “It will integrate seamlessly,” Molly remarked with bitterness.
Your scars possess beauty. “They all possess narratives,” Jayce remarked softly. This surprised her, as he had never expressed such sentiments before; it sounded almost foreign, prompting her to regard him with suspicion.
Jayce liberated her and reclined against the bed. His gaze ascended to the ceiling and remained fixed there. Perhaps he already lamented his words. She bore him no resentment whatsoever.
Do you believe they have confidence in you now?Molly enquired.
I concur. They do not appear to desire my demise upon my entrance into a room.
“That must be a first for you,” Molly remarked as she exited the bed. She turned back just in time to catch a fleeting smirk on his lips, which vanished before she could permanently etch it in her memory.
“I understand you are not obligated to me, but I would value your honesty.” Molly swiftly averted her gaze and rummaged through her drawers, hearing the bed creak behind her.
I perceive it as trust. I wish you had simply placed your trust in me.
Molly grasped a pair of socks tightly and inhaled deeply. After a moment, he resumed speaking.
“I will inform you during our next encounter.”
Molly glanced at him, but he had already entered the bathroom.
Once they were both attired, Molly trailed Jayce out of the cabin and into a throng. She promptly identified numerous villagers mingling with the guards. Many appeared fatigued, while others exhibited signs of contentment.
“They were returned after you retired for the night,” Jayce responded to her unvoiced inquiry. “They are all cognisant of the arrangement, and numerous other guards are dispatched to various villages to inform them as well.”
Molly bit her lip. None of them glared as they passed; several even smiled. Did this signify that peace had already commenced? Less than two days prior, Molly had sworn she was near death.
“Jayce.” Colton navigated through the crowd and approached them directly. His expression was grave, and he held a golden letter tightly in his hand. “The palace has dispatched this for you.”
