As the sun rose the following day, casting its golden rays across the sleepy streets of their neighbourhood, Julius and Arun were awakened by the gentle knock of one of the newly arrived maids. Her voice carried through the door with barely contained excitement as she delivered the most joyous news they had received in days—Louise had finally opened her eyes after such a long, worrying slumber.
Despite the healer's thorough examination and confident predictions, the young woman had shown no sign of stirring throughout the entire week, leaving the trio consumed with worry and gnawing uncertainty about her condition. Each day had seemed to stretch, the air in her chamber heavy with the lingering scent of medicinal herbs and the room perpetually bathed in the soft, flickering glow of candlelight as they maintained their vigilant watch over her still form.