Marked By The Mad King Alpha (Phoebe and Perry) novel Chapter 83

83 Chapter 83 The Poison Runs Deep

Phoebe’s Perspective

“Phoebe!” Cameron’s shout startled me, causing a sharp jolt of fear to ripple through my body. His anger was so intense, I could almost see it radiating from him like heat. His hand twitched dangerously, as if he was ready to strike me, but the imposing palace walls and the king’s protection held him back, keeping his fury in check—for now.

—

“Kevin’s rotting away in the dungeon. We need him for the plan,” Cameron hissed, lowering his voice but not the urgency behind it. His words felt like ice coursing through my veins, reminding me of my supposed allegiance to this dark scheme to overthrow the king.

“I’ve changed my mind,” I said firmly, turning to face him with newfound resolve. “I won’t do it. You want me to kill the king, but I never truly agreed to that.”

“It’s too late for second thoughts. You’re already tangled in this,” Cameron snapped, his eyes burning with frustration.

“I’m not a pawn in your sick game,” I shot back, my voice cold and unwavering.

At last, my decision was clear and unshakable. No matter what twisted plot Kevin had hatched, I refused to be part of it. After all he’d done—lying, manipulating, showing no remorse—I didn’t care if he died locked away in that dungeon. Maybe his death would even cripple the Movement, though I wasn’t sure he was truly the mastermind behind it all.

If Kevin was truly vital to their cause, losing him might be exactly what we needed. Let him wither away. I had my own plan now: persuading Perry to end this war through diplomacy, not bloodshed. It might take years, but I could already sense his heart softening toward me.

—

Suddenly, Cameron’s grip on my arm tightened viciously, his fingers digging into my skin as his voice dropped to a threatening whisper. “You are part of this. You poisoned the king. If we fall, you go down with us.”

I struggled to free myself, but his hold was ironclad. “I’ll tell the king everything. I’ll beg for his forgiveness.”

“You really think he’ll forgive you? How laughably naive,” he sneered.

His words cut deep, but I refused to let doubt cloud my mind. “He will. He’s my mate.”

With a shove, Cameron released me, his face twisted in rage. “Go ahead. See what your precious king does to you. Just remember this, Phoebe—you won’t walk away unscathed. If you betray us, you fall with us.”

—

“I’m not betraying anyone. I never agreed to your schemes,” I said firmly, meeting his glare before turning away.

I left the room immediately, my heart pounding as I sought out Perry.

“King Perry is in the strategy room, my lady. He’s meeting with the high-ranking officials after receiving urgent news,” a warrior informed me.

“Poison,” Perry said grimly, the word hanging heavily in the tense air. “The same poison as before?”

Twelve elders sat solemnly around the strategy table, joined by five senior warriors. The royal beta and gamma flanked their king, their expressions grave.

“Yes, Alpha,” Kim confirmed, his face shadowed with concern. The senior warrior had just returned from the frontline bearing devastating news. The warriors had been slowly poisoned, symptoms so subtle they hadn’t realized what was happening until it was nearly too late.

Only after the healer’s murder in the palace had they thought to examine the sick warriors. The diagnosis confirmed their worst fears.

“Most complained of sluggishness, but didn’t raise alarm until they started collapsing during training,” Kim added.

“This has to be the same group behind it,” Flynn growled. “Their operation is too sophisticated for amateurs. Someone is orchestrating a rebellion against the crown.”

“We need to investigate everyone inside the palace,” Elder Tricia suggested after a heavy silence.

“Agreed, but screening thousands will take considerable time,” another elder pointed out.

“The omega. The kitchen omega,” Perry said suddenly, the pieces falling into place. “The poison at the frontline came through contaminated food. If they targeted our warriors there, they’re doing the same here. Helen must have uncovered something that forced them to eliminate her immediately.”

The theory resonated with everyone in the room, the weight of their situation settling deeper into their minds.