Their Secret Obsession (A Reverse Harem)

Lottie POV

"Impressive," Astaroth remarked. "You've embraced your heritage more fully than I anticipated." Astaroth sighed dramatically, clapping slowly. I turned to face him fully, barely containing the frustration bubbling within me. His nonchalant attitude, the way he watched me like I was some sort of amusing sideshow-it grated on my nerves. I was done with being a pawn in his twisted game.

"I'm tired of being underestimated," I stated firmly. "I'm a Lycan heir, and I won't be controlled by you or anyone else." He raised an eyebrow, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of his mouth.

"Oh, I have no intention of controlling you. In fact, I'm quite looking forward to seeing what you do next."

"Don't patronise me," I snapped, my voice rising as the frustration threatened to boil over. "You've been manipulating events from the shadows, but your games end here."

"You misunderstand me, Charlotte." He chuckled softly, his tone condescending, making my fists clench. "My interest in you is genuine. There's much you don't know, but all in due time."

"Enough with the cryptic remarks. If you have something to say, say it." I felt a surge of frustration. Every word he spoke was layered in riddles, and I was getting tired of trying to decode his intentions.

"Very well," he conceded. "But perhaps we can have this conversation somewhere more... suitable?" He gestured around at the grim surroundings. "This place hardly befits a discussion of such importance." I glanced around, acknowledging my cousin's body in the damp, claustrophobic tunnel.

"Fine," I agreed reluctantly. "But know this-I don't trust you."

"Trust is earned," he replied smoothly. "And I intend to earn yours."

Fluffy padded over to my side. She nudged me gently, her eyes reflecting concern. I looked down at her, my hand finding comfort in the soft fur around her neck. The warmth of her touch grounded me in a way I hadn't expected.

"She truly has bonded with you. Fascinating." I noted how Astaroth watched the exchange with keen interest. His gaze lingered on Nera as though she were more than just a companion, as if she held a secret he was desperate to unlock. "Why does that matter?" I questioned, eyeing him warily.

"Because Fluffy-or rather, Nera-is no ordinary hellhound," he revealed. "She chooses her companions carefully. That she has chosen you speaks volumes."

"Nera," I repeated, testing the name. It felt right, a name that resonated with something deeper within me. "Well, Nera and I are a package deal."

"So it seems." He inclined his head. As we began to walk, the weight of the cuffs on my wrists became more pronounced.

"These," I stated, holding up my bound hands, "need to come off."

"In time." He regarded me thoughtfully. "For now, they serve a purpose." He spoke as though everything he did was part of some grand plan, but I was no longer content being a pawn.

"If you want any cooperation from me, you'll remove them. I'm done being restrained," I demanded, my voice steely, each word laced with the resolve of someone who was finally stepping into their power.

"Very well." He studied me for a

moment before sighing. With a flick of his wrist, the cuffs clicked open and fell to the ground with a dull thud. The moment the restraints fell, a rush of energy surged through me, as if I'd been shackled not just physically but spiritually. Sage stirred awake, her presence washing over me like a long-lost friend.

"Finally," she sighed. "I was beginning to think you'd forgotten about me."

"Never," I replied internally, relief washing over me. The connection with my wolf felt stronger, clearer. The fog that had dulled my senses lifted, and for the first time in what felt like ages, I could breathe freely.

"Better?" Astaroth inquired, his voice disturbingly calm, as if he had expected this change all along.

"Much," I affirmed, flexing my fingers, feeling the raw power coursing through me again. My body hummed with a renewed strength, and I felt the flicker of a smile touch my lips.

"Then shall we proceed?" Astaroth gestured ahead, but I could feel the weight of his gaze lingering on me, studying me like a predator watching prey that had just learned to fight back.

I nodded, but not before casting one last glance at Sebastian's still form. A mix of emotions churned within me-regret, resolve, and a hint of sadness. But I pushed them aside. I couldn't afford to dwell on the past; my future, my family's future, was at stake.

As we moved forward, Nera kept

pace at my side, her presence a constant reassurance. Her steps were silent, but her energy was palpable. With her beside me, I felt invincible. The path ahead was uncertain, but for the first time in a long while, I felt in control of my destiny.

Astaroth walked slightly ahead, his posture relaxed yet alert. The darkness of the tunnels seemed to part for him, as if the very shadows feared him. Despite his calm demeanour, I could sense the danger radiating from him like a storm waiting to unleash its fury.

"There is much you need to learn about your heritage, Charlotte."

"Then start talking," I urged. I wasn't in the mood for more of his games. I wanted answers, not more riddles.

"Patience. All will be revealed." He glanced back with a sly smile. It was the same cryptic nonsense I had grown tired of, but I could sense something different in his tone. There was more he wanted to say, but he was holding back.

"I've been patient long enough. If you have information, share it." I met his gaze unflinchingly, refusing to be intimidated any longer.

"Very well," he agreed. "But remember, knowledge comes with its own burdens."noveldrama

"I can handle it," I repeated, conviction strengthening my voice. Whatever burden he thought I couldn't bear, I was ready to prove him wrong.

"I believe you can." He nodded approvingly, but there was something in his eyes that made me uneasy-a calculation, a plan forming behind those blackened irises.

As we delved deeper into the labyrinth of tunnels, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was stepping into a new chapter of my life-one that demanded I fully embrace the power and legacy I had been born into, whether I liked it or not.

With Sage by my side, Nera's

unwavering loyalty, and a newfound

determination burning within me, I was prepared to confront whatever awaited. But even as I moved forward, a gnawing sense of

apprehension tugged at the edges of my mind. I had chosen to embrace my strength, but had I also unknowingly walked straight into another one of Astaroth's traps? Time would tell.