At the end of it all, the physician wrapped the final bandage securely around Aries's stomach and lifted his hands away with a slow exhale. He reached up and wiped the sweat from his forehead, his fingers trembling slightly now that the urgency had passed.
Aries still lay unmoving on the bed, his body frighteningly still. There was no sign of his eyes reopening, no flicker of consciousness returning, but at least his breathing had steadied somewhat. It was shallow, yet more regular than before, thanks to the tonics that had been administered repeatedly throughout the surgery.
Lucien stepped forward just as the physician rinsed his hands one final time in the bowl of water prepared for him and began packing away his tools.
"So… how is he?" Lucien asked, his voice tight with restraint.
"When will he wake up?" the king added quietly.
