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.

doesn't feel safe with you

"This is not the

clashes reverberating through the tunnel. Nera growled softly, her hackles rising as she

composure cracked ever

delays!" he snapped, reaching out to

out a roar of pain as her teeth sank

a demon, but the smell of his blood was more than chaos...

surge of dark energy slammed into her. Nera howled in agony, her body collapsing at

I cried, dropping to my knees beside her. She whimpered softly,

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

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

forces at play. If you stay here, you're

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

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

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

Mate!" she

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

The mate bond surged between us, a warm current that erased all fear. Memories of

I

promises. was so desperate to

heartbeat against

the time. The danger

too real.