Chapter 260: Chapter 260 Lights of Ashford
Phoebe’s POV
The moment I stepped off the ship at Ashford Pack’s harbor, the atmosphere hit me like a physical wall.
Terror.
It hung in the air so thick I could taste it. Every person we passed—dock workers, merchants, even children—moved with the careful precision of prey animals aware a predator was near. Their eyes darted away the instant they spotted Perry, as if meeting his gaze might be their last mistake.
But this wasn’t the respectful fear I’d seen from his own people. This was raw, bone-deep terror that spoke of recent conquest and blood still fresh in their memories.
"Don’t stare at them too long," Timothy said quietly as he appeared beside me. His voice carried an unusual heaviness. "I’ve tried to establish rapport with some of the locals, but they react like cornered animals every time I approach. It’s... heartbreaking, honestly. Pushing only makes their panic worse. Better to give them space to adjust."
I nodded, my attention catching on a small girl peeking out from behind her mother’s tattered dress. The child’s eyes held a mixture of curiosity and absolute terror that made my chest tighten. When she noticed me watching, she disappeared completely behind the fabric.
The buildings around us showed signs of recent damage—scorch marks on walls, hastily repaired windows, debris still scattered in corners. This wasn’t just a conquered pack. This was a pack that had fought back and paid the price.
Exhaustion weighed on me like lead, but it was more than just physical fatigue. The emotional weight of what we’d done here—what Perry had been forced to do—pressed down on my shoulders. All I wanted was to reach the alpha’s quarters and collapse into bed, away from the haunted stares and the lingering scent of fear that seemed to permeate everything.
"Your room’s ready," Timothy announced, pushing open the door to what had clearly been the previous alpha’s private chambers. The space was elegant but felt hollow, like a tomb. I stepped inside alone, grateful for the promise of privacy.
But when I turned around, Perry hadn’t followed.
"You’re not coming?" Confusion furrowed my brow.
"I’ll be there soon. Timothy and I need to discuss some security concerns first," Perry said, his voice carefully controlled. But I caught the edge underneath—this wasn’t just routine business. "Get some rest." He leaned down and kissed me, but the gesture felt more like a benediction than comfort.
"Going to follow through on that castration threat after all?" I teased, trying to lighten the oppressive mood that had settled over us since landing.
"Want me to?" Perry raised an eyebrow, matching my attempt at playfulness. The effort was strained, but I could see how much he needed this moment of normalcy between us.
"Hey! Don’t talk about that!" Timothy protested, his horrified expression almost managing to crack through the tension. "Don’t mess around with my manhood!"
I laughed—the sound felt strange in this place of recent violence, but it was real. "Sleep well, my queen," Wade said, appearing with his trademark smile. But even his usual boundless energy seemed dimmed by the atmosphere here.
"Thanks, Wade. You should rest too," I replied, guilt tugging at me. He’d be standing guard in hostile territory while I slept safely inside.
"Don’t worry about me, my queen. I’m wide awake and feeling great!" Wade declared, but his hand rested on his weapon with practiced ease.
I smiled and closed the door, but comfort felt impossible in this conquered place.
