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.

feel safe with you either," I

eyes narrowed. "This is not the time for

grew louder-a cacophony of growls and clashes reverberating through the tunnel. Nera growled softly,

composure cracked ever so

snapped, reaching

a roar of pain as her teeth sank deep into his flesh. Black blood oozed from the wound,

he was a demon, but the smell of his blood

glared at Nera, his eyes burning with fury. With a flick of his wrist, a surge of dark energy slammed into her. Nera howled in agony, her body collapsing

beside her. She whimpered

me now, Charlotte. It's the only way to keep you safe." Astaroth took a step

to my feet,

don't understand the forces at play. If you stay

back, "but I'd rather

braced myself,

The impact shook the chamber, dust raining down from the ceiling. I blinked, heart racing, as the blur resolved into a massive wolf with fur

Mate!" she shouted,

mate!" she coded, filled with joy. A pang of frustration hit Sage as

between us, a warm current that erased all fear. Memories of our time

I

the unspoken promises. was so

his heartbeat against mine, but I knew

the time. The

too real.