Their Secret Obsession by Pippa Moon

Chapter 0323

Lottie's POV

The tunnel walls seemed to close in around me as we walked, the damp air heavy with an unnameable tension. Astaroth led the way with an assured stride, his silhouette cutting a sharp figure against the dim glow emanating from ahead. Nera-no longer Fluffy-kept pace at my side, her presence a comforting anchor in this labyrinth of uncertainty.

We emerged into a vast chamber that felt eerily familiar, though I couldn't recall ever being here before. The ceiling stretched high above, disappearing into shadows, while ancient symbols etched into the stone walls pulsed with a faint, otherworldly light. At the center of the room stood an ornate archway shimmering with a swirling, iridescent energy-a portal.

I halted, my instincts screaming at me to be cautious.

"Where are we?" I asked, my voice echoing softly. "We must have walked miles. We're far from pack territory now." Astaroth turned to face me, his eyes inscrutable.

"A place between worlds," he replied vaguely. "A gateway to possibilities beyond your imagination."

"That's not an answer," I retorted, crossing my arms. "Why here? Why now?"

"All in due time, Charlotte. Trust that this is necessary." He sighed, a flicker of impatience crossing his features. I glanced at the portal, its swirling depths both mesmerising and terrifying.

"I'm not stepping through that until you give me some real answers." A low rumble echoed from the passage we had just exited, followed by distant shouts and the unmistakable sounds of conflict. Astaroth's gaze shifted past me, his posture tensing. "What's going on?" I asked, a knot forming in my stomach.

"Nothing that concerns you," he declared sharply. "But we need to leave. Now."

He stepped toward me, extending his hand. "Come. It's not safe here."

I didn't move.

safe with

eyes narrowed. "This is not the time

through the tunnel. Nera growled softly,

composure cracked ever so

snapped, reaching out to grab

shut around Astaroth's forearm. He let out a roar of pain as her teeth sank deep into his flesh. Black blood oozed from the wound, sizzling as

I screamed, stumbling back in horror. I knew he was a

at Nera, his eyes burning with fury. With a flick of his wrist, a surge

knees beside her.

way to keep you safe." Astaroth took a step toward me, his expression a mask of cold

from what? From you?" I rose to my feet, positioning myself between him and

don't understand the forces at play. If you

so," I replied, taking a step back, "but I'd rather take my chances than trust

Time seemed to slow as I braced

the ceiling. I blinked, heart racing, as the blur resolved into a massive wolf with fur as brown as mud-Rolo. Inside my mind, Sage erupted with excitement, her voice

Mate!" she shouted,

dizzying rush. "He's here! Our mate!" she coded, filled with joy. A pang of

a warm current that erased all fear. Memories of our time together

I

the unspoken promises. was so

his heartbeat against mine, but I

time. The danger was

too real.