Their Secret Obsession by Pippa Moon

Chapter 0324

Lottie's POV

Suddenly, a loud crack echoed through the chamber as the tunnel behind us began to collapse. Dust billowed out, and the ground trembled violently beneath our feet. Stones and rubble tumbled down, threatening to seal off our only exit. My eyes widened in alarm as I realised we might be trapped. "The tunnels!" I shouted, gripping Rolo's fur tightly. The warmth of his body was reassuring, but as my fingers sank into his fur, I felt a strange tingling sensation. A sharp sting coursed through my hand where Astaroth's black blood had splattered onto Rolo, and now onto me. Panic surged-what if his acid-like blood hurt him?

"They're collapsing!" Astaroth's gaze shifted between us and the imminent wall of debris. Black blood still oozed from the wound Rolo had inflicted, dripping onto the floor and sizzling ominously. Every drop that hit the ground hissed and melted the stone, leaving tiny craters in its wake.

"Time is running out," he said urgently, his voice strained. "Make your choice!"

Before I could respond, the door behind us groaned under the pressure of a collapsing passage somewhere. Splinters flew as cracks spiderwebbed across its surface. The roar of the falling rocks grew louder, drowning out all other sounds. Astaroth was right; we were nearly out of time.

"What do we do?" I whispered, panic seeping into my voice as I looked at Rolo, hoping for a solution. He growled slowly, his eyes never leaving Astaroth. I could feel his muscles tensing beneath my hand, ready to pounce.

"There's no time," Astaroth cut me off urgently. "If you stay, everything is at risk." Rolo growled, taking a threatening step forward.

"Easy, Rolo," I murmured, trying to calm him. "We need to think." My heart pounded as I felt the slight burn where his fur was damp with Astaroth's blood. Was it affecting him too?

"Then tell me why it is so important I cross through," I demanded as Astaroth held up his hands defensively. Rolo's growl deepened, echoing in the chamber like thunder. He bared his teeth, a clear warning to the demon.

crossed my arms, tapping my foot carefully, trying to appear composed. Inside, fear gnawed at me-the ceiling could come crashing down any moment, burying us alive. I stole a glance at Nera, who lay at my feet, slowly regaining consciousness. Relief

warned as the floor

she added, her usual confidence

your heritage," Astaroth cut my inner reflections off as he sighed, as if sharing this was a great hardship. His eyes bore into

were just going to take me there without telling me?" I asked incredulously, pushing my fears down and dealing with

He began, but I growled, silencing him with

keep saying that but I know what I am; I am a half-wolf, half-Lycan." I laughed dismissively, though uncertainty

it..."

Who was he to tell me about myself? Even if a

on Nera, who was slowly

that conclusion?" I asked, shaking my head, trying to work out what angle he was

whined inappropriately. Rolling my eyes internally, I ignored her, trying to focus so we could just

are you okay?"

opened her eyes, a soft whine escaping her as she tried to stand "Stay still," I urged, gently placing a hand on her. My fingers tingled where Astaroth's blood

my chest-Not

roared. "For once, stop thinking of