Ken opened his eyes slowly.
The hospital room was bathed in soft morning light. The machines were still beeping, the IV was still in his arm. But something felt different. Something felt... lighter.
He turned his head and saw Hades sitting beside him, watching him with an intensity that made his heart skip.
"How do you feel?" Hades asked again.
Ken took a moment to assess himself. He flexed his fingers. Rolled his shoulders. Took a deep breath.
"Honestly?" Ken said, frowning slightly. "I don't feel any different. I mean... I don't feel worse. But I don't feel magically healed either."
Hades nodded slowly. "The potion might take time to work. Or it might be working beneath the surface. We should have the doctor check you."
Ken agreed.
Hades called for Dr. Harrison.
The doctor arrived within minutes, his expression curious. He'd heard about Ken's sudden improvement from the nurses but hadn't seen it for himself.
"Mr. Luther tells me you're feeling better?" Dr. Harrison asked.
