Chapter 44: Chapter 44 A Web Of Betrayal
Phoebe’s POV
I retched violently, expelling every morsel I’d consumed earlier. My stomach twisted in knots while the tiny vial tucked in my pocket burned like molten metal against my hip, a constant reminder of my father’s twisted demands.
Despite everything I’d survived in the Obsidian Claw pack, they’d managed to sink their claws back into me. This time, they wanted me to be their weapon. The thought alone made bile rise in my throat again.
Their scheme was simple yet horrifying—overthrow the king, with me as the instrument to destroy him. In essence, I would be Perry’s executioner.
I couldn’t fathom how my father could ask this of me.
This was wrong on every conceivable level.
I dry-heaved until my body had nothing left to give. Though my sight wavered, my thoughts remained crystal clear about one thing: Perry had to know about Kevin’s conspiracy with the other alphas.
’Nobody will believe you.’
I shook my head frantically as those words hammered through my skull. I had to warn Perry.
’Nobody will believe you.’
The phrase kept battering my mind, and no matter how I pressed my palms against my ears, Kevin’s voice persisted, reminding me how worthless I was, how nobody would ever trust my word.
He was right.
No!
I fought against my own thoughts, releasing a piercing shriek. The bedroom stood empty except for me, so my screams echoed into nothing.
After lunch, I’d fled straight here and hadn’t stopped panicking since—hyperventilating, vomiting, falling apart.
"My lady, what’s wrong?" Mason’s voice cut through my spiral as she touched my shoulder, making me jolt.
I snapped my head up to find her kneeling beside me, worry creasing her features.
"What’s the matter, my lady?" Her voice was gentle as she rubbed soothing circles on my back. "You can share anything with me. I’m here to support you."
Mason pulled me into her arms, and right now, all I craved was someone to lean on. I was drained—everything in this place wore me down to nothing.
But I couldn’t confess what was eating me alive.
So I let my head fall against her chest while she continued stroking my back.
Still, I was determined to inform Perry about this plot. I might not care for him, but he was my mate nonetheless, and if harm came to him, I would suffer that agony too.
Cameron claimed that since I’d survived the first rejection, I could handle this as well.
That first rejection had destroyed my wolf’s spirit, and now, if my second chance mate died, I doubted I’d make it through.
Either Cameron was completely clueless, or he simply didn’t give a damn about my survival when he decided I should be part of their scheme against the king.
"Don’t stress, my lady. Everything will work out fine."
Mason’s embrace tightened as she whispered in my ear. "Just follow the former beta’s instructions."
At first, I wasn’t sure I’d heard her correctly.
I pulled back and stared at her, confusion flooding my expression.
When I thought I’d misunderstood, Mason spoke about the same thing again.
"There’s no need to worry. Several people in this palace are on your side." Mason tucked loose strands behind my ear. "You don’t need to stress.
You’re not fighting this alone."
Terror seized me.
How many people wanting Perry dead had managed to infiltrate so close to the king? Was he completely surrounded by enemies?
I despised myself for being unable to speak.
The words lodged in my throat as I stared at Mason, who wiped the tears streaming down my cheeks.
"Don’t worry, my lady, everything will proceed smoothly. You just need to do what beta Cameron instructed."
The way Mason spoke, as if she was pushing me toward something noble. There was nothing noble about murdering the king.
"My lady, I know you can complete this mission."
Mason stroked my hair. "We’re all counting on you.
You’re our chance to eliminate the Mad King. He’ll only drag the kingdom into ruin if we allow him to continue his wars."
"Why...?" I managed to force out that single word. A thousand questions swirled in my head, but forming complete sentences felt impossible.
Mason’s expression turned sorrowful. "Because the war took my brother and father, and my mother couldn’t bear losing her mate and firstborn, so she ended her own life. I despise war. The king only wages it to feed his bloodlust, but what about all the people who die in his conflicts?"
Pain and fury blazed in Mason’s eyes, and somehow, I could grasp her rage.
Mason noticed first, since I was too stunned to process what had just unfolded. It was overwhelming.
"The king’s here. Act natural," Mason murmured, helping me to my feet just as Perry stepped into the bathroom and discovered us both.
"What’s going on here?" His deep voice carried a questioning edge as he looked at Mason.
"Lady Phoebe has stomach pain and vomited her lunch. I believe something she ate disagreed with her." Mason bowed her head like a devoted servant. "I’ll request the healer to prepare something for her."
With that, Mason departed after receiving the king’s permission.
"You’re not feeling well?" Perry moved toward me, reaching out to touch my waist, but I slapped his hand away reflexively.
The pocket around my waist held the poison. I didn’t understand why I reacted that way when my goal was to tell Perry everything.
Meanwhile, Perry’s brow furrowed.
I was being stubborn again.
"What? Are you sulking because you met with your father?" Perry folded his arms. He had to commend his own patience dealing with me. Anyone else would have lost limbs by now.
I shook my head, studying him with deep concern. I was torn. If I spoke up, Mason would face consequences, and despite knowing her briefly, she was the first person here who’d shown me kindness.
I didn’t want any harm to come to her. And as for Perry...
"I can’t handle this anymore," Perry snarled in frustration, grabbing my hand and pulling me back to our bedroom, where he snatched up a pen and paper. "Here, if you can’t speak, write it down. What’s your issue now?"
Issue. They always viewed me as nothing but trouble...
