Their Secret Obsession by Pippa Moon

Chapter 0305

Lottie POV

The walls were slick with moisture, and patches of moss glowed faintly in the darkness.

We must have been walking nearly fifteen minutes, yet the air grew colder as we descended further. The damp scent of earth and stone filled my nostrils, mingling with the stale odour of neglect. Water dripped somewhere in the distance, the sound amplified in the silence.

The cobbled floor was uneven and sharp against my bare feet. Each step sent a jolt of pain up my legs, but I bit back any sound. Without warning, I was shoved forward roughly. I stumbled, my hands shooting out to brace against the wall. A sharp sting shot through my palm.

"Ow!" I hissed, pulling my hand back to see a thin cut welling with blood. The crimson droplet swelled, warm against my skin. Only after realising I had spoken aloud did I notice my voice was back-something my captor seemed reluctant to acknowledge. An idea sparked.

"Maybe there's some hope after all," I whispered to myself, careful not to let my captor hear. Clenching my fist, I allowed more blood to seep out, letting droplets fall subtly onto the floor as we moved. If anyone tracked my scent, they might notice the blood-might realise something was wrong.

Hold on, Lottie. They're coming. They have to be. I self-soothed as I straightened, lifting my chin.

And until they do, I won't make this easy for him.

The tunnel seemed endless, each twist and turn further disorienting me. My mind raced.

"Stay calm. Focus," I mused as I tried to memorise the path-the number of steps, the changes in the air currents, any distinguishing features-but the darkness made it nearly impossible.

moving," the voice barked, pushing me again. I stumbled but caught

as though they were closing in, the ceiling pressing down. The cold seeped into my bones, and a shiver coursed through me-not just from the chill but from

refused to

we continued, I discreetly brushed

I could feel his gaze on me, watchful and suspicious. I kept my eyes forward, masking

I sent the thought out like a prayer, clinging to the hope that not all bonds were

still. My breaths came out in faint puffs of mist. I fought the urge to shiver, squaring my shoulders

finally demanded, my voice steadier than I thought it would be after that magical trick to silence

not bothering to

retort, knowing it would do no good. But inside, anger

Not again," I mused with a silent prayer to who

above us-perhaps thunder, or

be searching for me

yanking on my arm. Pain shot through my wrist where the

Every step, every drop of blood left behind, was a defiance against the darkness threatening to

the damp walls. My captor halted abruptly, scanning the three passages with uncertainty

way?" he demanded, his voice laced

I mocked, shaking

the tunnels." I let a hint of sarcasm drip from my words, enjoying the brief moment of defiance. He cursed under his breath, pulling a crumpled map from his pocket. I watched as he struggled to read it, the faint light making it nearly impossible. His hands trembled slightly, betraying his

snapped up as a massive black beast emerged from the shadows its eyes glowing like molten gold. t was