Marked By The Mad King Alpha (Phoebe and Perry) novel Chapter 154

Phoebe found herself ensnared in a web of anxiety and fear, her senses heightened as she detected an unwelcome presence in her room, despite the guards stationed just outside her door. The stillness that enveloped her was suffocating, amplifying her dread and leading her to the terrifying conclusion that it might be a member of the Movement, intent on bringing her harm. Panic surged within her, and without a moment’s thought, she snatched a small fruit knife from her nightstand and dove beneath her bed, praying fervently that she would remain undiscovered.

As the footsteps drew nearer, Phoebe’s heart raced violently, each thump echoing in her ears as if it might burst free from her chest. She steeled herself, ready to defend her life. When a shadow loomed down to peer beneath the bed, instinct took over, and she swung the knife with all her might, only to freeze when the figure revealed himself to be none other than Perry. Confusion washed over her like a tidal wave, and disbelief gripped her as she took in the sight of him, safe and sound, despite a small cut marring his cheek from her blade.

“It’s me, Phoebe,” he said, his voice cutting through her panic like a lifeline. “You’re safe.”

A rush of relief flooded her senses, and she leapt into his arms, tears cascading down her cheeks. He had meant to surprise her, but instead, he had plunged her into terror. Perry explained his hasty return from the Obsidian Claw pack, and despite the earlier fright, they found a moment of levity amidst the chaos. Phoebe playfully scolded him for the scare, and he responded with a lighthearted chuckle, downplaying the gravity of the situation.

Feeling utterly drained from the emotional upheaval, Perry gently lifted Phoebe onto the bed, where they nestled together. As he fell asleep, wrapped around her protectively, Phoebe reflected on the strength of their connection and the comfort that his presence provided. Even as she awaited the dawn and his awakening, she found solace in the warmth of his body beside hers.

—

Phoebe’s POV

Sleep was a distant memory, an elusive dream that remained just out of reach. It was then that I felt the unmistakable presence of someone slipping into my room, despite the eerie silence that hung in the hallway outside.

Two guards stood watch at my door, their vigilance a small comfort. If an intruder had truly entered, the clash of metal or the sounds of a struggle would surely have echoed through the palace halls.

Yet, the oppressive quiet left me grappling with two horrifying possibilities: either the guards had recognized the intruder, or, far worse, it was one of the surviving members of the Movement—those who had hidden so deeply within the palace that even the king’s ruthless purge had failed to uncover them.

The thought of the latter sent chills down my spine, suggesting that this person had come with the intent to kill me.

My mind spiraled into chaos, a tempest of panic and dread. After everything I had endured, I couldn’t allow fear to consume me.

Without a second thought, I rolled out of bed, my heart pounding as I seized the small fruit knife from my nightstand. I quickly squeezed beneath the bed, curling into a tight ball, wishing desperately to vanish from existence.

Footsteps entered my room and paused, likely because they noticed the bed was empty.

The shoes that approached were distinctly masculine, and I felt my heart race as they drew nearer, as if trying to escape my ribcage.

My grip tightened around the knife’s handle, my knuckles whitening. I had no real knowledge of how to fight, but with this small weapon, perhaps I could make it to the door and call for help.

Please don’t find me. Please don’t find me.

I pressed my palm against my mouth, stifling any sound that might escape, feeling as if it had been ages since I had heard my own voice.

Then, the figure stopped right beside the bed. My heart nearly stopped when he crouched down, peering beneath.

This was my moment. I had to act first; it was my only chance. I gripped the knife tighter, adrenaline surging through my veins.

When his head dipped to look at me, I swung the knife.

But I missed. Instead, his hand closed around my wrist, stopping my attack in its tracks.

“Phoebe, it’s me.”

His voice was familiar, yet panic clouded my mind, making it hard to process. I continued to struggle, desperate to break free until he effortlessly pulled me from my hiding place beneath the bed.

“It’s me. You’re safe, you’re fine.”

My resistance faltered as Perry’s face came into view. A thin line of blood marked his cheek where my knife had grazed him, but the wound was already healing, leaving just a faint crimson stain behind.

“It’s me. Perry.”

Sharp gasps escaped my lips as the knife slipped from my fingers, clattering to the floor. I stared at him, disbelief washing over me like a wave, as if he were a ghost I couldn’t fully accept as real.

He hadn’t felt it before, but now, with me safe in his arms and back in this familiar bedroom, the exhaustion hit him like a tidal wave.

He stood and lifted me effortlessly onto the bed.

Perry curled against me, resting his head on my chest as I ran my fingers through his tousled hair.

He definitely needed a haircut.

Within moments, he was fast asleep, completely drained. He had shut out everything except for my scent, focusing solely on the fact that I was safe in his embrace. Nothing else mattered to him.

As the morning light crept into the room, I woke to find him still deeply asleep. His face was nestled in the crook of my neck, arms and legs wrapped around me as if I were his personal body pillow.

Even in his unconscious state, he was possessive.

He reminded me of an octopus, and I attempted to untangle myself from his grasp, only to surrender quickly. I would have to wait for him to wake up.

—

In the quiet aftermath of the night’s turmoil, the weight of Perry’s presence wrapped around me like a warm blanket, soothing the jagged edges of my fear. The panic that had gripped me moments before faded, replaced by the comfort of knowing he was here, safe and sound. This moment, so tender and fragile, reminded me of the strength we found in each other amidst chaos. Perry’s return was not just a relief; it was a promise that no matter the darkness surrounding us, there was light to be found in our bond. The scars of our past encounters lingered, but they were softened by the love that continued to grow between us, binding our fates together in a way that felt irrevocable.

As I lay there, feeling his rhythmic breathing against my skin, I realized that vulnerability and strength often walked hand in hand. Our lives were fraught with danger, yet in these quiet moments, we forged a sanctuary of trust and understanding. The night had tested me, pushing me to the brink, but it also revealed the depth of my feelings for Perry. In the gentle embrace of dawn, I understood that love was not merely a refuge; it was a fierce protector. Together, we would face whatever lay ahead, our hearts interwoven with threads of hope, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to each other.

—

In the next chapter, the fragile peace that envelops Phoebe and Perry is bound to be tested. With the threat of the Movement still lurking in the shadows, their reunion may be short-lived, as the consequences of Perry’s early return could lead to unforeseen complications. Will the lingering dangers from the palace’s depths resurface, forcing them to confront their fears head-on? The tension between their newfound closeness and the external chaos promises to ignite emotions that neither of them may be prepared to face.

As Phoebe grapples with her trust in Perry after their harrowing encounter, the weight of her past experiences may begin to claw at her once again. Can she fully embrace the safety he offers, or will the scars of her trauma continue to haunt her? The quiet moments they share could soon be overshadowed by the realities of their world, as both must navigate the treacherous waters of loyalty, love, and survival. Expect heart-wrenching choices and revelations that will test their bond, leaving readers on the edge of their seats, yearning to discover what lies ahead for the couple entwined in a fate they cannot escape.