**His Mercy Tastes Like Hunger**
**Chapter 179**
Perry felt an overwhelming urgency coursing through him, compelling him to return to the palace at once. His warriors depended on him, their leader, and the thought of fighting alongside them sparked a flicker of hope within him. Yet, a deeper concern gnawed at his insides—Phoebe, his mate, was in danger.
The elders, he knew all too well, were waiting for a chance to pounce, ready to tarnish Phoebe’s reputation. Their methods were insidious, capable of inflicting wounds that would never heal, and he could already envision their scheming faces, relishing the opportunity to undermine her.
Damn it all, how could I have been so blind? The realization hit him like a punch to the gut. Why hadn’t I anticipated this? Reginald and the Valerium were undoubtedly plotting against him, concocting traps and employing deceitful strategies.
He had foolishly assumed that their focus would remain solely on him, neglecting the fact that Phoebe, despite not being on the battlefield, was still a target. How naive of him to think she would be safe. The war had now seeped into their very home, and the thought of it filled him with dread.
“You can’t go alone,” Timothy insisted, his tone unwavering, a solid rock amidst the chaos. “I’m coming with you.”
Perry shook his head vehemently. “No, Timothy, you need to lead the others back. They rely on your guidance. Once you reach the fortress, adapt our strategy based on what you see.”
They were flying blind, lacking a clear understanding of the situation at the central city fortress. Communication was limited, and it was crucial that Timothy adjusted their attack plan according to the realities unfolding before them.
For that, he needed someone with a sharp mind, capable of making quick decisions under pressure. Timothy was the only one who fit that bill.
“Fine, but you should at least take Turner with you. Someone needs to keep an eye on you and prevent you from making reckless choices.”
Perry didn’t see the necessity of that—Turner lacked the authority to challenge him as Timothy did. But he had no time to argue; the urgency of the situation pressed down on him like a weight.
He didn’t verbally agree, but he didn’t refuse either.
With a surge of determination, he transformed into his beast form and set off toward the central city, the ground trembling beneath his powerful strides. Turner fell in step behind him, and Perry didn’t push him away, interpreting Timothy’s silence as tacit approval. The royal gamma then led the remaining warriors back to the Sunstone Creek pack, preparing them for an immediate departure to the central city.
They couldn’t follow his path; their numbers would only slow him down, hindering his speed as he raced toward the impending conflict.
—
Phoebe’s heart raced as she arrived at the fortress, her senses heightened by the gravity of the situation. A senior warrior stepped forward, his presence commanding yet respectful.
“I’m Joric. It is an honor to have you here, my queen,” he said, his voice steady and reassuring.
He resembled many other warriors—broad shoulders, a muscular build, a chiseled jaw, and intense eyes that seemed to pierce through the chaos. His green eyes and tousled brown hair indicated he was in his thirties, a man seasoned by battle yet respectful of her authority.
I nodded in acknowledgment, grateful for his warm welcome. Someone must have informed him about my communication limitations, for he didn’t seem surprised when I began to write. However, I caught a flicker of impatience cross his face, and I felt a pang of urgency within me.
*Thank you for your warm welcome. Let’s get straight to the point—can I meet the other senior warriors?* I was eager to cut through the pleasantries; time was of the essence.
“Yes, my queen,” Joric replied, his hesitation brief. I scribbled quickly, my pen moving with purpose.
*I wish to meet them all to discuss the current situation here. I have a plan to propose.* Surprise flickered across Joric’s features, but he nodded and led me to the war room, instructing his men to gather the other senior warriors.
Abner interjected, his brow furrowed with worry.
*We are going to evacuate them,* I assured him, my voice steady.
—
As the weight of uncertainty hung heavily in the air, both Perry and Phoebe found themselves at critical junctures in their respective journeys. Perry’s heart raced with the urgency of battle, yet the thought of Phoebe being targeted by their adversaries filled him with dread. His willingness to forge ahead alone, despite the risks, underscored the fierce devotion he held for her.
Meanwhile, Phoebe stood resolute in the war room, her courage blossoming as she took charge of the unfolding crisis. The mutual sacrifices they were making, albeit in separate arenas, painted a poignant picture of their bond—a connection that deepened even in the face of chaos.
In this moment of turmoil, both characters were not merely fighting for survival but were also striving to protect the essence of their love and the home they had built together. The looming threat of the elders and the war’s encroachment on their sanctuary served as a stark reminder of the stakes at hand. Yet, amidst the fear and uncertainty, there was a flicker of hope ignited by Phoebe’s determination and Perry’s fierce loyalty. Their paths, though fraught with danger, were intertwined by a shared purpose, one that would ultimately define their legacy and the future they dared to dream of together.
—
**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**
As the tension mounts within the fortress walls, the next chapter promises to delve deeper into the brewing conflict surrounding both Perry and Phoebe. With Perry racing against time to protect his mate from the insidious plots of the elders and Reginald, the stakes have never been higher. Will he be able to outmaneuver their schemes while ensuring the safety of his warriors? The looming threat of betrayal hangs heavy in the air, and the question of whether Perry can trust even those closest to him will weigh on every decision he makes.
Meanwhile, Phoebe’s determination to assert her authority as queen will be put to the test. Joric’s admiration for her strategy may not shield her from the scrutiny of the other senior warriors, especially as they grapple with the urgent need to protect civilians amidst the chaos. As she navigates the complexities of leadership in a time of crisis, will she find the strength to unite the warriors behind her plan, or will her position be undermined by doubt and dissent? The emotional landscape is fraught with uncertainty, and readers can expect a whirlwind of alliances, confrontations, and the struggle for trust as the characters face the reality of war invading their home.

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