Their Secret Obsession (A Reverse Harem) by Pippa Moon novel Chapter 305

Lottie POV

We must have been walking nearly fifteen minutes, yet the air grew colder as we descended further. The damp scent of earth and stone filled my nostrils, mingling with the stale odour of neglect. Water dripped somewhere in the distance, the sound amplified in the silence. The walls were slick with moisture, and patches of moss glowed faintly in the darkness.

The cobbled floor was uneven and sharp against my bare feet. Each step sent a jolt of pain up my legs, but I bit back any sound. Without warning, I was shoved forward roughly. I stumbled, my hands shooting out to brace against the wall. A sharp sting shot through my palm.

"Ow!" I hissed, pulling my hand back to see a thin cut welling with blood. The crimson droplet swelled, warm against my skin. Only after realising I had spoken aloud did I notice my voice was back—something my captor seemed reluctant to acknowledge.

An idea sparked.

"Maybe there's some hope after all," I whispered to myself, careful not to let my captor hear. Clenching my fist, I allowed more blood to seep out, letting droplets fall subtly onto the floor as we moved. If anyone tracked my scent, they might notice the blood—might realise something was wrong.

Hold on, Lottie. They're coming. They have to be. I self-soothed as I straightened, lifting my chin.

And until they do, I won't make this easy for him.

The tunnel seemed endless, each twist and turn further disorienting me. My mind raced.

"Stay calm. Focus," I mused as I tried to memorise the path—the number of steps, the changes in the air currents, any distinguishing features—but the darkness made it nearly impossible.

"Keep moving," the voice barked, pushing me again. I stumbled but caught myself, glaring back despite the fear knotting in my stomach.

The oppressive atmosphere weighed heavily on me. The walls felt as though they were closing in, the ceiling pressing down. The cold seeped into my bones, and a shiver coursed through me—not just from the chill but from the overwhelming sense of hopelessness that these tunnels seemed to exude.

But I refused to give in.

"I have to stay strong—for myself, for my pups." Determination flared within me. "He won't get away with this." As we continued, I discreetly brushed my wounded hand against the rough stone walls, leaving faint smears of blood. Every mark was a silent plea, a beacon in the darkness.

My captor remained silent, but I could feel his gaze on me, watchful and suspicious. I kept my eyes forward, masking any expression that might betray my intentions.

"Please, let someone find me. Let them see the signs," I sent the thought out like a prayer, clinging to the hope that not all bonds were severed, that someone would notice my absence.

The tunnel began to slope downward, the air growing colder still. My breaths came out in faint puffs of mist. I fought the urge to shiver, squaring my shoulders instead.

"Where are you taking me?" I finally demanded, my voice steadier than I thought it would be after that magical trick to silence me.

"Quiet," he snapped, not bothering to look at me.