The healers worked through the remainder of the night to stabilize Aldous, Elena insisting on remaining nearby despite the chaos still gripping the palace following Garrick's failed assault. By dawn, exhausted physicians finally confirmed the old healer would survive, though his continued weakness meant any further conversation would need to wait.
It was nearly midday before Aldous regained sufficient strength to speak again, Elena and Logan both present the moment the healers permitted visitors.
"Finish what you were telling us," Elena said gently, settling beside his bed carefully. "You said Cassius knew something. Please, Aldous, we need to understand completely."
Aldous studied them both carefully, his weakened condition evident despite his improved consciousness. "Your father was n
