-43-

|ORION|

Dead ends.

Everywhere I turn, nothing but dead ends.

My frustration boils beneath the surface, a seething rage that threatens to consume me with each passing moment. Despite my tireless efforts, I've been unable to find Astraea.

Every lead I pursue fizzles out into nothing, leaving me with more questions than answers. The weight of my failure hangs heavy on my shoulders, a constant reminder of my inability to protect the one I love.

I ran my hand through my hair, the frustration gnawing at me.

“Where the fuck is she?!”

As I pace the confines of my chamber, memories of Astraea flood my mind—her laughter, her smile, the warmth of her touch. Each memory only serves to fuel my frustration, driving me to push harder, to search more relentlessly for any sign of her whereabouts.

But the truth remains elusive, taunting me with its elusiveness. And with each passing day, the fear that I'll never see Astraea again gnaws at my insides, threatening to consume me with despair.

I may hav