Phoebe’s POV
I made my way to the dungeon, and every warrior there froze when they spotted . Samuel and Justin quickly stepped forward, explaining why I’d co.
"But we need the king’s permission... I’m not sure it’s wise to let you enter, my queen," the guard stamred, shooting nervous glances at Samuel and Justin.
They’d all heard what had happened to my personal warriors. They’d barely escaped Perry’s fury because I’d begged for their lives. But these guards? They were just foot soldiers—the lowest rank. They knew I wouldn’t plead for them the way I had for Samuel and Justin.
I got it. I assured them they could report this to Perry if they wanted, then pushed past them toward the dungeon.
After so back-and-forth and Samuel’s reassurances, they finally let through to see Caron.
He sat in the sa grimy cell, looking like hell. Dirty, hollow-eyed, broken.
I’d never pictured my father like this. He used to be so put-together, always pristine. Now he reeked.
Untouched food sat on his plate. He’d lost more than his appetite—he’d lost his will to keep breathing.
My chest tightened.
When he wasn’t in front of , I could push the guilt away. But seeing him like this, seeing what he’d beco... it hit hard.
He was still my father.
There was a ti when he’d loved fiercely, before Tiara and her kids showed up and destroyed everything between us.
"Phoebe..." His voice cracked. He tried to smile, but it ca out wrong. He dragged himself to the bars, desperate to get closer. "I knew you’d co," he whispered. "I knew you wouldn’t abandon here."
I pressed my lips together, fighting the urge to bolt. The dungeon suddenly felt too small, too suffocating.
When he reached through the bars toward , I jerked back instinctively. Seeing my reaction, he pulled his hand away, pain flooding his eyes.
"I’m sorry, sweetheart. Sorry for everything I did to you. Sorry for all the pain, for making your life hell." He backed away from the bars, recognizing how his desperation scared . "But seeing you healthy... that’s enough for ."
I should’ve turned around and left. Should’ve regretted coming here. But sothing kept my feet planted.
Then I rembered why I’d co. There was sothing I needed to know, sothing that wouldn’t let rest.
I scribbled on my notepad and held it up: Why did you do it? Why did you hate ?
He squinted at the paper, then frowned. "What’s wrong with your voice?"
I didn’t want his questions. I was the one asking here. I tapped the notebook aggressively, demanding his attention back to my words.
He looked torn, clearly wanting to know about my voice, but understanding he had no right to demand answers.
So he focused on what I’d written.
"I never hated you. Don’t hate you now. But I’m a coward." His mouth twisted bitterly as he admitted it. "A complete coward. There’s no sugarcoating it."
I’d braced myself for his answer, but not this. What did he an?
"I knew you loved . Loved so damn much that I figured no matter what I did, you’d forgive eventually. I took that for granted, and I’m sorry."
His words hit like a punch.
"I knew you’d always love , so subconsciously, I thought I could get away with anything. When Tiara treated you like garbage, I didn’t step in because I was terrified of losing the family I’d built. I told you—I’m a coward. I couldn’t handle her leaving like your mother did.
When Kevin did those awful things to you, I kept quiet because of my position as beta. Couldn’t afford conflict with the alpha or his son. Kevin was going to lead the pack soday. I didn’t want to rock the boat.
Deep down, I knew how wrong it all was. But I was in too deep to fix it. And when I thought I might still have a chance to earn your forgiveness, I realized I’d already lost it.
There were monts I wanted to make things right. Tis I hated myself for what I’d done to you. But I didn’t know how to start over. Didn’t know where to begin.
So I just... kept going. It was easier."
He lifted his head, tears streaming down his face. The raw sorrow in his eyes made my stomach clench as he begged.
"Please, forgive , my child."
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