Marked By The Mad King Alpha (Phoebe and Perry) novel Chapter 209

**His Mercy Tastes Like Hunger**
**Chapter 209: Scentless Shadow**

**Phoebe’s POV**

The memory of Perry’s chilling offer to eliminate Tiara lingered in my mind like a shadow. My heart raced as I recalled that moment, and I couldn’t shake the feeling of dread that accompanied the news I had heard: Tiara had died in battle.

“No, I didn’t.” Perry’s gaze bore into mine, his eyes reflecting a depth of sincerity that almost disarmed me. “It seems Viola overestimated her sway over her mother. Tiara made the choice to stay, refusing to accompany her daughter.”

I scrutinized his expression, desperately searching for any trace of deceit. Was he truly being honest with me?

“Phoebe, I promise you, I won’t deceive you. If I had given the order to take her life, I would tell you without hesitation. There’s no reason to hide it—it wouldn’t alter your perception of me.” His voice was calm, almost soothing, as he gently brushed his fingers across my cheek.

A wave of guilt washed over me, and I silently mouthed an apology, regretting my moment of doubt.

His demeanor shifted, hardening as he regarded me with a fierce intensity. “You think I can just forgive you after such an accusation?” His lips pressed into a thin line, and the weight of his stare made it hard for me to breathe.

The sudden sternness caught me off guard; I had almost forgotten how ruthless he could be, given how gentle he had been with me in recent days.

Feeling a mix of uncertainty and desperation, I rose on my tiptoes and pressed a soft kiss against his cheek.

His eyebrows shot up in surprise. “You really believe one kiss will soften my resolve? After you’ve accused me without cause?”

He crossed his arms, a teasing challenge in his posture, clearly waiting to see how I would respond.

After a moment’s contemplation, I leaned in and kissed him again. If one kiss wasn’t enough to sway him, perhaps two would do the trick. I offered him my sweetest smile, wrapping my arms around him in a gentle embrace.

“Don’t be mad,” I silently pleaded with my eyes, hoping to break through his hardened exterior.

I could see the corners of his resolve beginning to crack as he gazed down at me.

“Too bad for you—being mad is my specialty.” And just like that, his lips descended upon mine with a fervor that took my breath away. “This is how you’ll repay me next time.” He playfully pinched my lower lip, coaxing my mouth open, and his tongue surged in, claiming the sweetness that resided there. “Damn, I can’t get enough of you.”

A rush of heat flooded through me. What had started as an innocent moment quickly ignited into something fierce and consuming, leaving me with no option but to surrender entirely to him.

This man, insatiable in his desires, ignited a fire within me that I was more than willing to stoke.

As I reflected on the journey that had brought me here, I realized how drastically everything had changed. I had changed. Perry had transformed as well.

Suddenly, the piercing sound of alarms blared throughout the palace, slicing through the moment like a knife. Perry straightened, his demeanor shifting instantly as his eyes lost their focus—he was clearly linking his mind with someone else.

The alarms signaled danger: intruders were near.

“Stay here. Don’t move,” he commanded, his tone leaving no room for argument. He called out to Justin and Samuel, instructing them to guard me. “Don’t leave her side.”

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