45

Dastan's neck stiffened as his eyes fluttered open, the room cloaked in darkness cast by the drawn curtains. His brows furrowed deeply, and a sharp pain throbbed through his neck, causing him to grimace in discomfort. With a slow, cautious movement, he reached up to massage his aching neck, hoping to alleviate the discomfort.

"Agh!" He groaned, the muscles of his face contorting with the intensity of the pain. He gently tilted his head from side to side, seeking relief, but his efforts were interrupted by a startling realization—the bed was empty, devoid of Noori's presence.

"Where did she go?" His hand retreated from his neck, grasping the edge of the chair as he prepared to rise. Panic crept into his voice, his irritation evident at her sudden disappearance without any explanation. He scanned the room, confirming her absence, and noticed that the door stood slightly ajar, a silent invitation to investigate.