Perry's POV
I despised how Elder Tricia spoke to me, mainly because I couldn't deny his words held truth.
Phoebe had every justification for her hatred toward me. I couldn't claim I'd treated her well.
I was aware my temper brought destruction, and I'd accepted that reality, but Phoebe was different.
My mate wasn't like the others. She embodied everything I craved and beyond.
I never wanted to hurt her, never wanted to bring her pain. That's why her betrayal sliced through me so brutally.
After Elder Tricia finished his lecture, he departed, leaving me alone in the throne room with my spiraling thoughts.
I lost track of time completely until Timothy appeared, searching for me. His face was pale as death.
"I rounded them all up," he announced, his voice heavy with sorrow. He extended a blood-stained paper containing an extensive list of names.
The metallic scent of blood clung to him like a second skin.
It didn't require brilliance to understand what had transpired.
