Marked By The Mad King Alpha (Phoebe and Perry) novel Chapter 72

Chapter 72: A Decision Before Dawn
Phoebe’s Perspective

I couldn’t quite put my finger on what was happening to me physically, but the morning sickness had become a relentless routine. Each dawn greeted me with the same unsettling churn in my stomach, accompanied by a dry, scratchy throat that felt as if I’d swallowed sandpaper.

I had stopped taking the poison, yet a gnawing fear lingered—had I waited too long? Was the damage already done, irreversible?

“What’s happening to me?” I whispered to my reflection as I splashed cold water onto my pale, drawn face. My cheeks appeared hollow, as though I hadn’t eaten in days.

Last night, before drifting off to sleep, Perry had mentioned that today we would visit the Crimson Moon pack. I had no idea what to expect or what our purpose there might be.

A wave of dizziness swept over me, my stomach still twisting uneasily. But after pausing to steady myself, the nausea gradually eased.

The world outside was still shrouded in darkness when I stepped out of the bathroom. Perry was sound asleep, his breathing deep and steady. I hesitated at the doorway, quietly observing the sleeping king.

From the corner of the room, the glint of a fruit knife caught my eye, and a sudden, wild thought ignited in my mind.

What if I took that knife and ended everything right now? Would that bring peace? Or would it only unleash more chaos?

Could I escape afterward? But where would I run? What place could offer true safety?

Even if I followed the Movement’s orders and Perry died, I would still have to flee—there was no going back to Kevin’s control.

Slowly, I approached the bed and sat on its edge, my eyes fixed on Perry’s serene face.

Could I convince him to end the war? Was it even possible to change him—to quiet the savage instincts that drove him to violence?

He had hurt me deeply, but he didn’t seem intent on killing me. Not yet, at least.

Elder Tricia had faith that I could influence the king’s bloodthirsty nature. But did I truly believe it?

Time slipped away as I sat there, watching him like some silent observer, my mind a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts.

When the first golden ray of sunlight filtered through the window, I made my choice. I would try. I would find a way to stop this war without taking Perry’s life.

Perhaps it was the sunlight, or maybe my prolonged gaze, but suddenly the king shifted in his sleep. His eyes opened and searched the empty space beside him.

The drowsiness vanished instantly from his expression. He hadn’t noticed me sitting quietly on the bed’s edge.

In a sudden movement, he sat upright, about to swing his legs over the side when his eyes landed on me.

“You’re awake,” he said, his voice rough with sleep. He rubbed his hands over his face, and I moved closer, settling beside him before reaching up to press my lips gently to his.

“Good morning,” I whispered softly, catching him completely off guard. He hadn’t expected me to make the first move—not that he minded, but I’d never initiated a kiss before.

For a moment, Perry seemed uncertain, caught off guard by my boldness. Then, slowly, he cupped my face and leaned in, returning the kiss with surprising tenderness—something I hadn’t thought he was capable of.

Yet there was something different about the kiss. He didn’t taste the usual hint of mint on my lips.

To my surprise and delight, Timothy joined us as well. He grinned at me from the passenger seat.

“Hey, miss me?” Timothy called, twisting around to greet me, only to receive a sharp kick from the king. Perry’s foot jabbed his seat, making the royal gamma lurch forward.

“Hey! No need to be so rough!” Timothy protested with a grin.

Watching their playful banter made me laugh softly. For the first time in a while, I felt lighter.

“I know some great spots in the Crimson Moon pack,” Timothy said eagerly as the driver started the engine. “I’ll show you around!”

“You’re not taking her anywhere,” Perry growled.

“Why not?” Timothy pouted like a child, which was oddly endearing—though I’d never admit that in front of my mate.

“Because I said so.”

“You’re so selfish. What are you planning while you’re in meetings? Making her wait around?” Timothy challenged, raising his eyebrows.

“You’ll be in the meeting. I’ll take her out.”

One by one, the long convoy of cars rolled away from the palace, descending the lengthy driveway. Perry’s car took its place in the middle.

“No way. I’m not sitting through hours of boring meetings. You should’ve brought Flynn instead of me!” Timothy grumbled, but his tone was more playful than serious.