Their Secret Obsession by Pippa Moon

Chapter 0342

Chase's POV

"That's enough, Astaroth," The almighty Selene declared, her voice calm but commanding.

"You... How dare you interfere!" His eyes widened, a flicker of annoyance breaking through his usually unflappable demeanour. Despite Selene's sweet voice, there was an unmistakable trace of irritation in his eyes. His composure wavered just enough to reveal a hint of the fury simmering beneath the surface.

"You forget yourself," Selene replied coolly. "These souls are under my protection." At her words, Kane seemed to stiffen beside me, his muscles tensing as if readying for a fight. Adam almost faltered, his grip on Lottie loosening just enough that she had to steady herself. The sheer presence of the Moon Goddess was overwhelming, an ethereal weight pressing down on all of us. It was as if time itself had paused in deference to her.

"This isn't over," he spat, but I could see the hesitation in his eyes. Astaroth's gaze flickered between Selene and us, uncertainty clouding his expression. His usual arrogance was tempered by a newfound wariness. For a brief moment, the shadows around him seemed to recede as if even they doubted his next move. It was clear that the appearance of the Moon Goddess had unsettled him more than he cared to admit.

"Return to your dark pit, unless you would like a fair fight," Selene ordered. Her voice was laced with a deceptive sweetness, each word dripping like honey yet carrying the weight of an unspoken threat. The melody of her tone was soothing, but there was an edge beneath it-a razor hidden in silk. It was a gentle reminder of her power, and even Astaroth seemed to feel its sting.

"You and I will finish this later!" Astaroth warned, his eyes levelling us all with hatred and betrayal.

"I have protected you..." He started to say, but Lottie laughed in Adam's arms.

"You have betrayed us.. over and over again.. But we are the fools for trusting a demon." She admitted, her hand resting on her stomach as he leaned into Adam. With a final glare, Astaroth vanished, the dark energy dissipating with him. "Thank you." Relief flooded through me. I turned to Selene.

"Time is short. Go, all of you." She nodded towards the portal.

We didn't waste another second. Together, we were ready to step through the portal. Kane hesitated, his eyes fixed on Adam, who was still holding Lottie.

"I'm not going anywhere without her in my arms", he stated firmly. Adam looked confused, glancing between Kane and Lottie.

questioned. Kane nodded towards the

twice..." He grunted, stepping forward

knowing smile, her eyes reflecting ancient wisdom. With Lottie safe in his arms, Kane stepped through the portal alongside us. The world warped around us, and when the disorientation passed, we found ourselves back in familiar territory-the forest clearing near our home. The scent of pine and earth was a welcome contrast to the oppressive atmosphere we'd just escaped. Lottie collapsed

murmured.

too close,"

"But at least he doesn't know." I looked over at Liam, exhaustion etched on his

to Selene," he

just happened?" Adam requested as he approached us, wiping sweat

assured him. "Right now, we need to regroup and figure out our

give up easily." Kane joined us, his

alone in this." I

Lottie sighed

toward the pack house. The walk back was silent, each of us lost in our own thoughts The familiar sounds of the forest rustling leaves, distant bird calls began to soothe our frayed nerves. Yet, an unspoken

approached the pack house, we slowed our pace. The grandeur of

But the idea of

the questions and confrontations that would entail, felt

we should avoid the main house," Knox suggested, voicing what we were

west wing is empty. We can lay low there until we figure

west wing?" Lottie asked, her voice barely above

used during parties and celebrations for guests," Knox explained. "We should have

from the main residence, elegant yet slightly neglected from disuse. Ivy

crept over me as the

"It feels... colder than