Their Secret Obsession (A Reverse Harem) by Pippa Moon

Knox's POV

I woke with a start, my eyes snapping open to an extravagant room bathed in soft, ethereal light. The ceiling soared above me, adorned with intricate frescoes of celestial bodies and mythical creatures. Silk draperies cascaded from gilded cornices, and the air was scented with a delicate blend of jasmine and something indescribably ancient.

I sat up slowly, surprised at how refreshed I felt. The last thing I remembered was collapsing, a searing pain tearing through me, and now... now I felt better than I had in days. Glancing around, I noticed Liam and Chase sprawled on the massive bed beside me, their faces etched with exhaustion. They looked utterly spent, and neither stirred as I swung my legs over the side of the bed.

Careful not to wake them, I stood and took in more of my surroundings. The room had no windows, only towering walls adorned with tapestries depicting scenes of moonlit forests and starry skies. A sense of unease settled in my gut. Pursing my lips, I decided to explore further. As I approached the ornate double doors, they swung open silently of their own accord, revealing a hallway bathed in shimmering white light.

Curiosity piqued, I stepped into the hall. The walls were made of pristine marble that seemed to glow from within, and the floor beneath my feet felt warm and alive. Columns lined the corridor, each one carved with symbols and runes that pulsed faintly as I passed. The air was filled with a soft hum, like distant whispers or the gentle strumming of harp strings.

Drawn toward a brighter glow ahead, I walked silently down the hall until I reached a door with light spilling from beneath it. As I neared, the door opened slowly, revealing a breathtaking courtyard bathed in luminescence. At its centre was a fishpond made of white stone, its waters so clear they looked like liquid light. Trees with white bark and leaves that shimmered like silver stood gracefully around the pond, their branches swaying gently despite the absence of any breeze.

I sucked in a sharp breath as recognition flooded me. Memories of whispered legends and childhood tales resurfaced.

"No," I gasped, stepping into the courtyard. This couldn't be what I thought it was.

"Hello, Knox Maddox," came a melodic voice that echoed softly around me. Turning, I saw her-the Moon Goddess, Selene-gliding into view beside the pond. She moved with ethereal grace, her feet barely seeming to touch the ground as she took a seat on a bench carved from the same luminous stone. She patted the space beside her, inviting me to join.

She was breathtakingly beautiful, with skin that glowed like the moon itself and eyes that held the depth of galaxies. Her hair cascaded over her shoulders in waves of silver and starlight. But beneath that serene exterior, I sensed a formidable power-a force that could be both nurturing and devastating. How could someone who claimed to be on the side of good have allowed so much suffering? It was hard to reconcile the benevolent deity of our lore with the reality before me.

My jaw tightened as I fought back a surge of anger. I wanted to scream at her, to demand answers, but I knew that confronting a deity with rage would accomplish nothing. Taking a deep breath, I reminded myself that she pulled the strings here, and I had no idea how much she knew.

"I know everything," she offered, her gaze steady as she patted the seat again.

"Everything?" I echoed cautiously, doing my best to appear innocent as I approached and took a seat beside her. She looked at me knowingly.

"I know it's a ruse," she admitted, a hint of amusement playing at the corners of her lips.

"How?" I asked, realising there was no point in feigning ignorance. She could read my thoughts as easily as if they were spoken aloud.

"You think I would lumber you and Kane with Connie?" she said lightly, her eyes twinkling. There was a playful tone to her voice, but I couldn't shake the feeling that it was a tactic to lower my guard.

"What's wrong with Connie?" I replied, attempting to keep my tone neutral.

"Knox?" She arched a graceful eyebrow.

"What?" I responded, meeting her gaze head-on.

"Very well," she sighed. "I can make her your second chance mate. Perhaps we add a fourth to your little arrangement?" she taunted, and I felt my face drop.

"I'd rather not," I admitted, exhaling slowly. "How did you know?"

"I have my ways," she said

enigmatically "How is she? My

sweet Charlotte... This must have been so hard for her." I studied her expression, trying to determine if her concern was genuine. Was this some kind of test? Did she truly care, onwas she manipulating me?

"I am being sincere," she said softly, as if reading my thoughts. "Believe it or not, I did not want her to suffer. Your little mate means more to me than she-or you-would believe. How is she?" she pressed gently.

BUMS

I weighed her words carefully. There was an earnestness in her eyes that made me want to trust her, but experience had taught me caution. Gathering my courage, I decided to take a risk. "How about I answer your question when you answer one of mine," I proposed. "Deal?"

She tilted her head, a hint of a smile playing on her lips.

"You do like deals, don't you?" I teased, but I was serious, and we both knew it.

"Do you?" She asked with a sincere smile.

"Only when they benefit both parties," I replied evenly.

"Very well," she conceded. "Ask your question." I took a deep breath, trying to find my voice.

"Why did you allow all of this to happen? The pain, the manipulation-the suffering Charlotte has endured. If she means so much to you, why put her through this?"

"Fate is a complex tapestry, Knox."

She sighed softly, her gaze drifting

to the pond where ethereal fish

glided beneath the surface. "Threads weave together in ways that are

necessary, even if they cause

temporary pain."

"Temporary?" I scoffed, because it felt anything but temporary to me. I sighed as I fought contain my frustration.

"Yes." She nodded simply.

"She's been through hell." I roared no longer able to keep my emotions in check.