Chapter 97. Echoes of Deception

Chase's POV

Astaroth lingered in the doorway, his satisfied smirk sending a chill down my spine. The grand chamber felt oppressive, the air thick with otherworldly energy that set my nerves on edge. I caught Liam's eye across the room; we both knew we needed to get Lottie and the others out of here—and fast.

Astaroth's words hung heavy in the room, his tone dripping with sarcasm. But there was something else in his eyes—curiosity, maybe even suspicion. I clenched my jaw, fuming internally at how he'd manipulated everything. He thought he held all the cards, but thanks to Selene's parting gift—a blind spot in our minds shielding our agreement with her—there were things even he couldn't reach. Liam and I had agreed not to think about it, just in case. Astaroth was powerful, and I didn't trust him as far as I could throw him.

"Feeling like a new man," Knox stretched, testing his limbs as he spoke with a grin.

"Glad to see you're back on your feet," I replied, f