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

of growls and clashes reverberating through the tunnel. Nera growled softly, her

composure cracked ever so

snapped, reaching out

forearm. He let out a roar of pain as her teeth sank deep into his flesh. Black blood oozed from

knew he was a demon, but the smell of his blood

With a flick of his wrist, a surge of dark energy slammed into her. Nera howled

to my knees beside her. She whimpered softly, her

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

rose to my feet,

understand the forces at play. If you stay here, you're vulnerable." His jaw

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

Time seemed to slow as I braced myself, but before his fingers could close around my neck, a

Astaroth, sending him crashing to the ground. The impact shook the chamber, dust raining down from the ceiling. I blinked, heart racing, as the blur

she shouted,

Our mate!" she coded, filled with joy. A pang of frustration hit Sage as we realised I couldn't shift to join him; the circumstances wouldn't allow

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

I

so desperate to

him, to feel his heartbeat against mine, but I knew now

time. The danger

too real.