Things are still hazy--everything after the procedure is something of a blur, for Viktor, but what matters the most is what he sees now that he's opened his eyes. Jayce looks hopeful, not at all despairing, so although he finds himself dazed, he can tell there's reason to be optimistic. That said, he isn't going to sugarcoat how he's feeling.

"Terrible," he replies, though there's a smile pulling at his mouth. "But that's to be expected."

Viktor apparently feels well enough to reach for Jayce's hand as it brushes over his face, searching for fingers to entwine with his. He takes it, and moves it in front of his mouth so he can press lips to the palm. It's weak, still, but he hopes the sentiment is clear.

"I can breathe."

The surgical incision hurts, sure--the residual pain of the procedure, but underneath that, there's a marked difference. Things feel clearer. Cleaner, almost. Like a weight on his chest has lifted, literally rather than metaphorically.