A bystander swiftly emerged from the crowd and assisted Nathaniel in departing the scene. Molly observed the blood marking his path, feeling significantly less disturbed than she would have a few months prior. The extensive torment she had experienced had rendered her almost impervious to such sights.
Colton faced Molly once more, his expression softened. The ruthless man who had severed another’s tongue seemed to have vanished, replaced by someone genuinely concerned for her welfare. Molly catalogued this observation for future reference. Her energy was nearly depleted, leaving no trace of courage within her at that moment.
“May I escort you back?””He enquired, ever the gentleman. Molly acquiesced and grasped his arm.
Leah grasped her shoulder and provided a smile prior to their departure. Colton’s stare remained on Leah briefly until she vanished from view. Molly circumvented the pool of blood and trailed him along a different route.
I apologise for your exposure to that situation; I regret that you had to endure it. Everything. “I assured you of your safety, yet one of my associates has already assaulted you.” Colton clasped her hand, which grasped his arm, as if to impart some of his strength.
Molly whispered, “Thank you for that,” as she averted her gaze to the ground.
“Do not express gratitude to me, under any circumstances.” I am unworthy of gratitude for such matters.
They halted at her door, and Molly rubbed her fatigued eyes, only to observe several abrasions on her hands. She had not perceived them during the altercation, but they were evident now.
“Will you be okay?”He enquired and retreated.
“I will ultimately.”
“It is preferable that you do not miss tomorrow.”
What is the date of tomorrow?”Molly enquired feebly.”
“A complete lunar phase.”
A full moon? She understood its significance for the wolves, yet she was uncertain about its relevance to her presence. Colton offered no additional insight regarding its implications or the events to come, and Molly was too fatigued to enquire further.
Molly ensured her window was securely closed and her door was locked prior to preparing for bed. Her thoughts were tumultuous, incessantly replaying the moment the man seized her. The odour of alcohol continued to pervade her senses, as if it were imbued upon her skin.
She draped the covers over her head and implored the moon goddess for respite. Her fortunes appeared to deteriorate, possibly indicating that fate dictated she was not destined to endure numerous near escapes. Prior to her marking, she had never experienced such events; now, they transpired almost weekly.
Unless it was the mark bestowed upon her by Jayce that resulted in her misfortune. Molly rubbed the area of her skin where the mark remained visible beneath her clothing. Regardless of her efforts, it refused to heal like other scars. It contrasted starkly with her pale complexion and evoked vivid recollections of its origin.
Her body permitted rest solely when her thoughts had thoroughly fatigued her.
In the dead of night, something constricted around her mouth. Molly awoke to find an unfamiliar man looming over her bed. He grasped her face and smiled down at her, emanating an odour reminiscent of refuse and appearing as though he had not bathed in months. “The palace favours their beautiful possessions, do they not?”
Molly struggled against his grasp, yet he tightened his hold. A frigid draft permeated the room; her window, previously secured, was now ajar, despite her certainty of having locked it before retiring for the night.
“Indeed, she is attractive.” “It is no surprise that Nathaniel was unable to refrain from his inebriated advances towards her,” remarked another voice from across the room.
A slender boy of similar age was perched on her dresser. He held her undergarments and tossed them into the air like a ball. When he smiled, several front teeth were absent. “What is that on her neck?”He leaped off the surface and stowed the cloth in his pocket before proceeding to adjust her nightgown further down.
Molly struck the boy in the chest. He exhaled sharply and staggered backward slightly. “Ooof, she is a formidable opponent.”
“You fool.” Nathaniel advised against approaching too closely. “Secure her or something,” the man holding her stated.
“With what?” I did not bring any rope.”The boy approached Molly once more, evading her kicks. He leaned over her to examine her neck again. ‘Observe this; she has a mate bite.'”
“Negative, negative.” Alex stated that she was bitten during her abduction.
“Are you foolish?” “He indicated the bite on the opposite side of her neck. “This one is the corresponding mark.” It remains unhealed.
The elderly man leaned in to examine it. He pulled her nightgown down more than necessary, prompting Molly to bite his palm with all her strength. He screamed and swiftly withdrew his hand, while Molly immediately exited the bed.
