Their Secret Obsession by Pippa Moon

Chapter 0325

Lottie's POV

"Surely, the more I know about myself, the more I can protect myself. Then you can stay in hell and torture those poor souls for shits and giggles," I snorted while eyeing the ceiling as dust trickled down behind Astaroth.

"Now is not the time..." He continued to preach the same nonsense he had been for the last ten minutes. Rolo nudged my hand gently, his eyes meeting mine. A soothing warmth spread from his touch, momentarily dulling the sting. His silent support bolstered my resolve. However,

"Not now, mutt," Astaroth barked as he stepped closer, eyeing Rolo and me with amusement as if the threat of him was nothing. I fought the urge to tell Rolo to remind this demon who was the top dog here.

"He can do whatever he wants," I seethed. "And perhaps you should remember the reason you are bleeding all over the fucking floor and those I love." I warned, running my fingers through Rolo's fur. Each touch reminded me of the demonic blood, but I refused to pull away-to prove a point. The tingling sensation from his fur was unsettling, but I held firm.

"Perhaps you're more ready than I thought." A glint of approval flashed in his eyes. "And I'm not saying you are not ready to hear this; I'm saying it is a burden you might not want to bear here..." He nodded toward my stomach with compassion-filled eyes. Rolo snarled, clearly unimpressed with the exchange. I could feel his impatience vibrating through him; his muscles coiled like springs ready to launch. I glanced down, confusion swirling as I followed Astaroth's gaze to my stomach. What was he implying?

"Why should I believe anything you say?" I demanded. "You've been manipulating me from the start."

"Because," he said slowly, "we share a common enemy."

"What are you talking about?" I frowned, confusion knotting my brow.

from the tunnel entrance-Adam, his face streaked with dirt and eyes wide with

relief

I wanted to run to him, but Astaroth's presence and the collapsing chamber held me back. Nera continued to stir at my feet, lifting her head to observe the newcomer. Her eyes were alert but weary. "We don't have time for reunions," Astaroth snapped, his expression darkening. Black blood continued to drip from his wound, each drop hissing as it met the ground. The acidic blood pooled dangerously close

under us, the motion stirring Nera further. She growled softly, uncertain of

at the demon.

expressed, gesturing to Adam, who looked sheepishly at the floor before he nodded to Rolo, who, with

one threatening her,"

me. "Charlotte, the forces aligning against you are more powerful

in danger?" I asked, my eyes almost as wild as Nera's as

began, but I shook my head, cutting my brother off. The

hurt me, BRO," I retorted before looking back at Astaroth, who was evidently getting angrier. "I've had enough of

My eyes widened as I

If you follow me... I will show you how," he offered, holding his hand out

head in bewilderment. Memories of that harrowing moment flooded back-the hard decision, the weight of his

it all... just please follow me," Astaroth begged, shaking his outstretched hand. A

is with

his eyes