The medical wing's emergency treatment room had become a scene of controlled chaos. Professor Harold's hands moved with practiced precision across Alex's broken body, his healing essence flaring in complex patterns as he worked to stabilize the most critical injuries first.
"Severe lacerations across the torso, broken ribs, signs of extreme dehydration and malnutrition," Harold reported, his voice tight with professional concern. "Multiple burn wounds that appear to have been partially healed, then re-injured. Whatever he went through in that realm... it was sustained combat, not hiding."
"But he survived," Damien said from where he stood against the wall, refusing to leave despite Harold's suggestion. "That's what matters."
