Chapter 103: Chapter 103 Let Me Be Selfish
Phoebe’s POV
I felt like I was drifting in and out of murky depths.
My awareness flickered on and off, trapping me in this suffocating silence. I attempted to shift my limbs, but a strange numbness made me wonder if I even had a body anymore.
I existed as nothing more than a spirit, floating somewhere between unconsciousness and the waking world.
This void began stealing my memories piece by piece. Bit by bit, until nothing remained.
Not even my own name.
Then suddenly, a deep voice heavy with anguish and remorse reached out to me. Calling the name I’d nearly lost.
Phoebe.
Phoebe.
Phoebe.
Come back to me.
I glimpsed a silver strand in the darkness. So delicate I could only see it because everything else was pitch black. When I reached for it, something pulled me violently back.
A powerful force slammed into me, and when I forced my eyes open, darkness still surrounded me, though different now. I could make out shapes in my surroundings.
I lay in a room—a medical room—and someone clutched me desperately. His frame radiated warmth, pressed close against me, and the electric sensation from his touch felt... soothing.
I felt... protected.
"It’s okay, you’re okay now," he murmured softly, though tension strained his voice.
Who was he? I tried to focus on his features, but couldn’t identify the man holding me as agony exploded through my skull, making thought impossible.
My body felt impossibly frail—I couldn’t even cry out for help.
Have you ever been trapped in a nightmare, unable to wake? That’s how I felt in this moment. I couldn’t tell him about the pain splitting my head apart, as if it might burst.
He continued holding me, swaying gently, unaware of my torment.
It hurts...
The pain is unbearable...
I cried out silently in my mind, but couldn’t voice it.
Finally, when the agony became too much, I surrendered to the darkness, letting it drag me back to that drifting state.
——
"We’re going to get our revenge," Sterling declared beside his son’s corpse. "Perry will pay dearly for this."
He’d never cared for Kevin, but regardless of his faults, the boy was still his blood. He would avenge this death.
"Forgive me, alpha. I had no idea the king would execute him. I heard nothing about his plans." Reginald’s face showed genuine remorse. "I should have acted sooner. If I’d known he planned to kill Kevin, I would have warned you immediately."
Sterling drew a slow breath, then studied Reginald carefully. "I’m grateful you’re here." Sterling assessed him with calculating eyes. "Though I’m still reeling from my former beta’s betrayal."
Reginald had crafted his story perfectly, and no one could verify it since he’d entered the cells alone. Whatever had truly happened inside, only his version would be heard.
"I’m ashamed of what my stepfather did. Please punish me for failing you." Reginald dropped to his knees before the alpha, bowing his head in submission.
They’d returned to their territory now, fortifying their defenses. The king would strike eventually, and the packs who’d opposed him in secret were finally stepping into the light.
They were rallying behind alpha Sterling to overthrow the king.
Perry’s recent massacre in the palace, purging traitors and displaying their heads on spikes for all to see, had sparked outrage.
Some believed the traitors got what they deserved.
Others were too terrified to speak, but many had risen in rebellion—especially those nursing old grievances against the king.
Civil war was now unavoidable.
"Get up, Reginald. This isn’t your fault," Sterling said wearily. There was no point questioning his loyalty after his excellent performance in their last assault, despite its failure. "I’m glad you’re here."
He watched Reginald rise. He’d seen him grow up alongside Kevin. They’d been close friends until they both wanted the same woman, souring their bond recently.
But now...
Sterling was aging. His only heir was dead.
Murdered. Despite the fury and hatred driving him forward, he knew his time was limited. He needed someone to lead the pack.
"I’m making you my beta," Sterling announced. He’d elevate Reginald’s rank to watch him closely, testing whether he’d meet expectations.
"I’ll be eternally grateful." Reginald then spoke an oath of loyalty to the alpha, which pleased Sterling with this show of devotion.
——
**Perry’s POV**
I watched Phoebe’s ashen face as she slept. Her body had stopped trembling, and perspiration beaded on her forehead. She breathed steadily.
In the end, I couldn’t force myself to stay away any longer. Let her despise me. Let her try to end my life—I didn’t care anymore.
This kingdom meant nothing to me now. I only wanted her.
This had to be the longest I’d been separated from my mate since finding her.
"Phoebe..." I leaned down and brushed my lips gently against hers—they felt cold, but her breath warmed my cheek. "Hate me as much as you want, but let me be selfish one last time. Let me stay with you."
I grazed her lip with my teeth and pulled her closer, needing to feel her heartbeat, needing proof she was alive.
