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 you either," I

"This is not the

tunnel. Nera growled softly, her hackles rising as she positioned herself protectively in front of

cracked

reaching out to grab

between us, her massive jaws snapping 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 it hit the ground

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

With a flick of his wrist, a surge of dark energy slammed

knees beside her. She whimpered softly, her eyes

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

From you?" I rose to my feet, positioning myself between

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

replied, taking a step back, "but I'd rather take my

I braced myself, but before his fingers could close around my neck, a

I blinked, heart racing, as the blur resolved

she

her emotions flooding into me in a dizzying rush. "He's here! Our mate!" she coded, filled with joy. A pang of frustration hit Sage as we realised I couldn't shift

that erased all fear. Memories of our time together flashed in my mind the laughter,

I

unspoken promises. was so

his heartbeat against mine, but I knew

time. The danger

too real.