Viktor descended the stairs with fluid grace, each step carrying a confidence that had been absent since the poisoning.
The transformation was staggering... the man who couldn't even stand without help was now walking like someone reborn.
His posture was straight, his movements effortless, his presence… commanding.
Pavel broke first. He rushed forward, tears streaming down his face, and Viktor caught him in a firm embrace.
"Boss," Pavel choked out. "We thought… we were afraid…"
"I know," Viktor murmured, steady and warm. "I know. I'm alright now, aren't I?"
Dimitri came next, his stoicism cracking as he gripped Viktor's shoulders. "By the gods… you look younger. Stronger than ever."
Viktor smiled faintly. "Feels that way."
It was true. Viktor's skin had a healthy glow, the deep lines of pain and stress had smoothed, even his hair seemed fuller, darker. He looked like a man in his prime, not someone who'd been knocking on death's door hours ago.
