Marked By The Mad King Alpha (Phoebe and Perry) novel Chapter 208

208 Chapter 208 Mothers Final Choice

Viola’s face hardened with urgency, the sudden shift making Tiara’s stomach clench with worry.

“What’s wrong? Has something happened?” Tiara’s eyes darted around their surroundings, searching for threats in the shadows.

“Don’t interrupt me—just listen,” Viola cut her off, words tumbling out in a desperate rush. Time was running short, and she could sense their pursuers drawing closer.

“When I tell you to run, sprint toward that direction as fast as you can. Someone’s waiting there for

be safe.”

you. You’ll

Her finger stabbed toward the village. Viola couldn’t accompany her mother–not in her condition. She’d remain here under the royal warriors‘ protection until Turner arrived.

Tiara couldn’t be here during the fighting. Viola knew

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her mother too well–she’d throw herself into danger trying to rescue Reginald.

Though Tiara cherished Viola above all else, Reginald remained her son. The past months had forged new bonds between them.

“Do you get it?” Viola’s voice cracked with intensity. Seconds were slipping away. Her mother’s safety was all that mattered now.

“What’s happening, Viola? Tell me what’s wrong!”

Fear crept into Tiara’s voice as her gaze swept their surroundings again, finding nothing amiss.

Then realization struck like lightning, sending tremors through her entire frame.

“You’re… you’re actually with the royal warriors, aren’t you? You’re one of them–the ones hunting us down. You’ve been helping them all along?” Disbelief painted Tiara’s features. She’d dismissed Alpha Sterling’s

suspicions, but now Viola had confirmed his worst fears.

“No… this can’t be happening. We have to warn them!”

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“Stop, Mom!” Viola’s fingers clamped around her mother’s arm. “This is your one shot at the king’s

mercy.”

“The king would forgive me? What about your brother and everyone else? Will they receive pardons too?”

Viola’s silence spoke volumes, and Tiara wasn’t naive enough to miss the implication.

“I can’t abandon them, Viola. I have to tell them.

Reginald’s mate carries my grandchild.” Tiara’s head shook violently, as though fleeing to save herself terrified her more than staying.

“I’m carrying your grandchild too!” Desperation leaked into Viola’s voice as Tiara tried pulling away. “Mom, please…”

“I won’t leave them behind.” Tiara wrenched free from

her daughter’s grasp. “Your presence here means the king favors you and your mate. You must have pleaded for my pardon–but why didn’t you beg for your brother and his mate as well? This isn’t even Reginald’s fight.”

Reginald bore no responsibility for the Movement’s

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rebellion. He’d simply inherited the failed mission’s burden and carried it alone.

“I couldn’t–he’s actively rebelling against the crown. He even abducted Phoebe!” Frustration bled through Viola’s words, but Tiara remained unmoved, shaking her head stubbornly. “Mom, please. The king has already agreed to spare you.”

“I refuse to go without them,” Tiara declared.

“You’ve changed, Mom.” Viola’s eyes narrowed with hurt.

The mother she remembered would have seized any chance for survival without hesitation, caring little for others‘ fates.

In that moment of confusion, Viola’s grip slackened, and Tiara broke free.

“You disappeared for years, Viola. No word, no goodbye when you left. You never considered my feelings. Of course I’ve changed.” Sadness etched

Tiara’s features. “I’m choosing the child who chose to stay with me.”

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Tiara’s words cut deeper than Viola had anticipated. She watched helplessly as her mother rushed back to the others, sharing what she’d discovered.

In the distance, warriors‘ shouts erupted as they prepared to flee, but their efforts came too late.

Every head lifted simultaneously, nostrils flaring as they caught the scent. Terror drained the color from

their faces.

The royal warriors had arrived. Escape was no longer possible.

Phoebe’s POV

I pressed closer to the door, catching fragments of Perry and Timothy’s conversation. The royal gamma had just delivered devastating news–Tiara had fallen during the battle, though Reginald, royal beta Allen, and several other warriors had slipped through their fingers after sensing the approaching royal forces.

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