Marked By The Mad King Alpha (Phoebe and Perry) novel Chapter 205

**His Mercy Tastes Like Hunger**
**Chapter 205**

**Mercy Despite Pain**

**Phoebe’s POV**

The question of whether I could ever truly forgive my father lingered in the back of my mind like a dark cloud, casting a shadow over my heart. His broken demeanor, however, tugged at the strings of my empathy, making my chest tighten with a painful ache. I wished for his suffering to cease, for him to find some semblance of peace, yet the act of forgiving him felt like an insurmountable mountain I could not climb.

This resentment I harbored was like a suit of armor, shielding me from the raw wounds of the past. To relinquish it would be akin to betraying the part of me that had endured so much torment, the part that still bled from the scars left by Cameron’s cruelty.

Even now, as I sat there, the elusive nature of healing haunted me. I attempted to shove those memories into the dark corners of my mind, but they clawed their way back into my thoughts, relentless and unforgiving.

“I don’t think going is wise…” I murmured softly, setting the book I had been pretending to read on my lap, my fingers trembling slightly.

“I agree completely.”

The sudden sound of Perry’s voice startled me, making my heart race. He approached with an air of casual confidence, yet the intensity in his eyes hinted at the brewing storm within him. I could sense trouble lurking beneath the surface. Visiting Cameron in the dungeon without consulting him first had been reckless. He must have caught wind of my visit from the guards.

After all, I had given them permission to inform him. I never intended to hide anything from Perry; the thought of doing so felt wrong, like a betrayal of our bond.

[Are you angry with me?] I quickly scribbled on a piece of parchment, my heart racing. [I’m sorry I didn’t discuss visiting him with you first.]

Perry’s gaze bore into me, stern yet filled with a softness that made my heart flutter. He gently cupped my face in his hands, his touch sending warmth coursing through me. “Anger isn’t what I feel, Phoebe. I simply can’t bear to see you hurt. And right now, you’re hurting.” He leaned down, pressing his lips to mine, and I felt a deep sigh escape me—one of relief, love, and longing. I cherished these tender moments, even as I yearned for the fiercer side of him that emerged when we were alone.

‘I’m fine,’ I mouthed, shaking my head, but even I could hear the uncertainty in my own voice.

“Don’t lie to me, Phoebe. I despise dishonesty,” he replied, kissing me again, his teeth grazing my lip in a way that felt like a gentle reprimand. “Tell me what you need.”

‘What I need?’ I echoed internally, puzzled by the weight of the question.

“He wounded you again. Do you want him executed?” Perry’s voice was steady, yet I could sense the undercurrent of his frustration. He had only kept Cameron alive because the thought of dealing with him was beneath his dignity.

Even with all the time in the world, he would prefer to spend every moment with me rather than waste it on that man. He wouldn’t shed a tear if Cameron met his end in that cold, dark cell, though the bastard seemed to possess an uncanny resilience to cling to life.

‘No!’ My eyes widened in horror. The very thought of his death sent a shiver down my spine. I didn’t want him to die.

“Then what? Do you want to make him suffer?” Perry pressed, his expression a mixture of concern and frustration.

I grabbed my notes, writing furiously. [Stop suggesting such frightening things.] I pinched his arm lightly, a playful gesture meant to redirect his thoughts.

“Alright,” he conceded, closing his eyes in defeat. I could tell he wanted to do far worse than frightening things, but my gentle refusal left him with no other choice.

After a moment of silence, I tugged at his sleeve to regain his attention.

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