[Julian's POV]
Voices.
They were distant and muffled, coming from all directions at once.
"How long will he be out for?"
"Is he going to wake up?"
"It feels like he's recovering quickly."
The words floated around me, overlapping and distorting as I struggled to make sense of them.
Pain pulsed through my body in waves, each throb reminded me of the brutal exchange with Uzan.
My ribs felt like they were on fire, and every breath was a laborious effort.
-You're alive!
Vykekard's voice echoed softly in my mind, he sounded amused beneath the usual detachment.
"How... long?" I tried to ask, but the words came out as a pained groan.
My vision was a blur of light and shadow, indistinct forms moving in and out of focus.
The voices continued their relentless barrage, a chorus of concern and curiosity.
"He's waking up!"
"Julian, can you hear us?"
"Someone get the nurse!"
I forced my eyes to open, blinking against the harsh light.
