Their Secret Obsession (A Reverse Harem) by Pippa Moon

Lottie POV

The walls were slick with moisture, and patches of moss glowed faintly in the darkness.

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 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.

I bit back a retort, knowing it would do no good. But inside, anger simmered.

"I won't be a helpless victim. Not again," I mused with a silent prayer to who I don't know.

A faint rumble echoed somewhere above us-perhaps thunder, or maybe footsteps? My heart leapt at the possibility.

"Could someone be searching for me already?"

"Pick up the pace," he ordered, yanking on my arm. Pain shot through my wrist where the cuff bit into my skin.

As we moved deeper into the unknown, I clung to that small spark of hope. Every step, every drop of blood left behind, was a defiance against the darkness threatening to swallow me whole.

We finally reached a chamber where the tunnel branched into three separate paths. The dim light from flickering torches cast eerie shadows on the damp walls. My captor halted abruptly, scanning the three passages with uncertainty etched on his face. He glanced at me, a scowl twisting his features.

"Which way?" he demanded, his voice laced with frustration.

"Lost?" I mocked, shaking my head.

"You think I can help you? I've never been in this part of the tunnels." I let a hint of sarcasm drip from my words, enjoying the brief moment of defiance. He cursed under his breath, pulling a crumpled map from his pocket. I watched as he struggled to read it, the faint light making it nearly impossible. His hands trembled slightly, betraying his nerves.

Suddenly, a low growl resonated from the centre tunnel. My eyes snapped up as a massive black beast emerged from the shadows its eyes glowing like molten gold. t was similar to Havoc, yet there was something distinct about it-an

untamed wilderness that set it apart. The creature stepped closer slowly, each movement graceful yet powerful.

My captor stiffened beside me, fear evident in the way he gripped the map tighter.

"H-Havoc," he whispered nervously. "I can explain..." His voice quivered as he took a hesitant step back. A burst of clarity surged through me as a memory exploded in my mind a name, a connection. I laughed softly, the sound echoing eerily in the chamber. "That is not Havoc." I laughed, as my captor shot me a venomous glare.

"Shut up, you stupid girl. Of course it is," he roared, desperation creeping into his tone. In a panicked move, he stepped aside and shoved me-not too gently toward the beast.

"Here, take her!" he stammered, his eyes darting between me and the creature.

depinel.ne

I stumbled forward, bracing myself for the worst, but instead of fear, a strange sense of calm washed over me. The beast's gaze met mine, and I felt an unexpected wave of warmth. Its eyes held a understanding, almost as if it recognized me. The creature eyed my captor with what appeared to be disdain, then shifted its focus back to me.

A soft smile tugged at my lips.

"No... This is Fluffy," I murmured. "Havoc's twin."