Rohan swam to the surface of consciousness. His eyelids slowly opened. Sunlight was streaming through his bedroom’s balcony doors, more golden and alluring than it had been in days, weeks, months or maybe even years. The light was so warm. It seemed to pierce him, soothe his aches and pains, fill him with renewed strength. He let out a soft sigh of contentment.

“He’s waking up!” Serxio cried in a loud stage whisper. “It’s working!”