CHAPTER 38

(ORION'S POV)

I woke up with a splitting headache, the pain pulsating through my skull like a relentless drumbeat. I grimaced, instinctively shutting my eyes against the harsh intrusion of light. Attempting to rise from my bed proved futile—my body felt like it had been trampled by a herd of rampaging beasts. Every movement sent waves of discomfort rippling through me, and I could do little more than grunt in response.

As I lay there, a memory surged to the forefront of my mind—a vivid recollection of being lost in the dense, ominous embrace of the dark woods. It felt like mere moments ago that I was fleeing from an unseen pursuer, a nameless dread urging me onward. And then there was the pain, the searing sensation etched into my forearm, a reminder of... what?

My hand automatically rose to my forehead, fingers pressing against the throbbing ache. The echo of that memory stirred something deep within me, a primal instinct that set my heart racing. I needed to find her—my mate. But h