A string of words escaped Dominic's lips, but Alexander couldn't understand. "What did you say?"

Another garbled utterance followed. Alexander saw Dominic's mouth moving but couldn't decipher his words. Eventually, Alexander, also wet from the splashed water, squatted beside the tub. "Old man, you..."

"You son of a bitch!" The words were clear, sharp, and unmistakable. Despite Dominic's weakened state, his rebuke was forceful. It silenced Alexander, but this was reassuring; it meant the older man's condition wasn't critical if he still possessed the strength to curse.

Alexander checked the water; it was warm. He examined the equipment nearby—no heating device was visible in the tub. Yet, the water continued to steam. This was odd; considerable time had passed since Austin had let him in. Regardless of the initial temperature, the water should be cold by now.

Upon closer inspection of the tub's construction, Alexander discovered Dominic's ingenuity. The seemingly ordinary wooden tub rested atop a hot spring. He surmised Dominic had added various medicinal herbs, creating the potent herbal scent. He asked, "Are you awake?"

Dominic frowned, his eyes remaining closed. He seemed to struggle to open them. His cheeks were flushed, and his fever persisted. Even when Alexander had touched him, his body felt unusually hot.

"If you can't open them, it's okay. Just rest," Alexander said gently, unable to bear looking at the older man's suffering any longer.

Dominic's mouth twitched at this, but he obeyed, ceasing his efforts to open his eyes.

Alexander remained by the tub, observing the older man. Despite the high fever, Dominic's breathing appeared normal. He floated in the water, his body rising and falling naturally with the water's movement. Even when his nose neared submersion, he would slowly resurface.

'Is the old man self-medicating?' This thought led Alexander to believe further questioning or assistance was unnecessary for now. He stood to leave.

As he turned, another thought struck him, and he returned. "Is there anything I can help you with?"

The older man didn't answer, but Alexander noticed his jaw twitching. It seemed there was something, but Dominic couldn't articulate it.

Alexander squatted again. "I came to pick Galen up," he said, then paused. "But... Galen has a fever."

At these words, the older man's eyeballs darted anxiously beneath his lids. Alexander saw the movement through his closed eyelids, and Dominic's brows furrowed deeper.

"Everything is fine for now!" Alexander quickly reassured him, fearing further agitation. "I've decided to stay. Don't worry."

With Dominic remaining silent, Alexander waited a moment before attempting to leave again. There clearly was a reason for Dominic's solitary presence here.

"It's a good choice to stay!" A voice startled him. Turning, Alexander saw Dominic's eyes finally open.