Marked By The Mad King Alpha (Phoebe and Perry) novel Chapter 76

76 Chapter 76 The Scent of Poison

Phoebe’s Perspective

I almost forgot how much joy being around children could bring me. There was something so pure and comforting about their presence that I hadn’t realized I missed until now.

Growing up, I had always yearned for a sibling—specifically a younger one. The thought of having someone to confide in, to share secrets with in whispers, felt like the perfect dream. I imagined a bond full of warmth and trust, a safe place amidst the chaos of life.

But when Reginald and Viola came to live with us after Dad paired with their mother, all those dreams were shattered. Viola kept me at arm’s length, never letting me get close. It wasn’t outright cruelty, but she always brushed me off with a wave, shutting me out completely whenever I tried to enter her world.

Reginald’s presence was even more unsettling. Once I turned fifteen, his gaze became unnerving, his hands wandering where they had no right to be. The way he looked at me made my skin crawl, though back then, I couldn’t fully understand what was happening. I stayed silent, hoping it would stop on its own. But as the months dragged by, I realized how wrong and dangerous it all was. I finally gathered the courage to fight back.

That was when everything fell apart. His lies, the violent attempt to force himself on me, and Dad choosing to believe his mate over his own daughter—telling me to stop stirring up trouble. I had never felt so utterly abandoned in my entire life.

Those years spent with Viola and Reginald around extinguished any desire I had ever held for siblings. The idea of family became a bitter reminder of betrayal and pain.

But stepping into this orphanage today, surrounded by children who had lost everything in the war, those old feelings rushed back. I saw the siblings—the boy who looked about ten, and his two younger sisters, seven and five years old. They were absolutely precious. The boy positioned himself protectively in front of his sisters as I approached, like a tiny guardian shielding them from the world.

“What’s your name?” I asked softly, stepping away from the intimidating group of older kids—the so-called “king’s group” whose presence scared the younger children into hiding.

I didn’t want that kind of encounter. After spotting these three siblings, I had asked the guardian about them. She told me their father had died two years ago, and their mother passed away during the birth of the youngest sister.

“Upton,” the boy answered, his eyes sharp but trusting enough to introduce his sisters when the guardian encouraged him. “This is Ruby and Joyce.”

“They’re beautiful,” I said, smiling warmly. “What game are you playing? Can I join?”

They were tossing a ball back and forth, hitting each other lightly with it, then chasing whoever got tagged. It was a simple game, but one I remembered fondly from my own childhood. Maybe childish for someone my age, but I genuinely wanted to be part of it.

Besides Upton and his sisters, about ten other kids were playing. They gathered around me, curious.

“You wanna play?” one boy asked. “But no shifting into your beast form.”

I chuckled softly. “I promise I won’t,” I said, though shifting wasn’t exactly an option for me anyway. They didn’t need to know that.

The children huddled briefly, debating whether to include me. They seemed cautious rather than frightened—probably because they sensed no dominance or threat from me. It’s hard to project power when you don’t have a wolf inside you.

“Alright, you can play. Let me explain the rules,” a boy said, launching into an explanation I already knew well. I listened anyway, enjoying the moment. “You’re the chaser. Here’s the ball.”

Helen left the kitchen, glancing back with a thoughtful expression. She was still trying to figure out the smell on Mason’s fingers, and knowing her, she wouldn’t stop until she solved the mystery.

The stronger poison had left a faint scent lingering on Mason. Other shifters might ignore random odors, but Helen was a healer—she would identify it once she remembered where she had encountered it before.

Panicked, Mason skipped going back to her room and headed straight for the warriors’ quarters to find Reginald.

“What the hell are you doing here?” Reginald hissed, glancing around nervously for any witnesses. “I told you I’d come to you, not the other way around.” His anger was sharp and unmistakable.

But Mason had no time for his outburst. She quickly explained what had happened. By the end, Reginald’s eyes widened in alarm.

“What should I do now?” Mason fidgeted nervously. “I’m scared. What if she remembers that smell? She’s a healer—she might recognize poison.”

“Shut up and stop crying,” Reginald snapped.

“I tried to avoid her, but you just gave me fresh bottles, and I’ve been sleeping with poison in my room. The scent must have soaked into me. If she comes to my room, she’ll know I’m hiding poison.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll handle this,” Reginald assured her, his voice firm. “Now go back.”