Chapter 5
His body was on fire with both pain and adrenaline pumping vigorously through his veins like lava. His fingers tightened around the handle of his glistering sword, while he studied his opponent with narrowed eyes over the rim of his wooden shield. Out of the corners of his eyes, he saw Andrew standing next to him. The blond was bleeding from several wounds on his body, but he, too, had his dark gaze trained intently on the man across from them.
Their opponent was more monster than man – a Cyclops with a human face, tall and powerful, and he probably could crush both of their heads with one hand alone. He was panting heavily – but more from fury than from exhaustion, while his bloodshot black eyes were sparkling with murderous intent.
Andrew was the first to attack. By emitting a fierce, gladiatorial cry, he flew forward – while raising his glistering sword with ultimate intent. Endymion almost rolled his eyes at his friend's foolish behavior. The hulk merely raised one brow at the blond and quickly sidestepped his attack. With one forceful motion with the handle of his sword, he hit Andrew forcefully on the back. The blond cried out in pain and immediately plunged to the sandy ground.
The hulk positioned himself above him, his sword held high and ready to end Andrew's life. His eyes suddenly almost popped out, and one big paw went to his throat with something close to panic on his face. Endymion was standing behind him, holding an iron chain tightly with both hands that he had thrown over the hulk's head. His eyes were almost black as he pulled the hulk down until he could whisper into the man's ear.
"Rule number one." he whispered while tightening the iron chain around the neck so that only pathetic death rattling could be heard from the other man.
"Never turn your back on another gladiator."
By saying this, he forcefully pushed in sword into the hulk's back, the dark smirk on his face growing as he saw its crimson point appear out of the other side of the man's body. He pushed once again, the hulk's blood-filled burble music in his ears as he pushed his sword deeper into the man.
Endymion then pulled it out, and the hulk fell onto his knees before him, with his blood-stained back still on the black-haired gladiator. Endymion lifted his head to the Podium while Capua's people cried for blood and death. He couldn't help but look at the empty seat on the left first, before his gaze locked with Diamond's. The Dominus wore a thin smirk on his face, his eyes shining with utter contentment as they wordlessly expressed their satisfaction with Endymion's fresh victory. He slowly got up from his chair and stepped forward so that the crowd could see him properly. He reached out one arm, his thumb hovering only mere moments horizontally, before he let it turn down – making his decision.
Endymion stared into Diamond's eyes before he gave his Dominus an obedient nod with his head. He took his time as he picked up another sword from the bloodied sand, and he positioned himself directly behind the kneeling man. Endymion stretched out both arms with one sword in each hand, and his heart throbbed with excitement and power as cheers and bawling filled his system. Briefly, the image of a woman with long black hair appeared in his mind's eye, and his eyes clouded with determination as he let both swords swoosh through the air. Metal sliced through skin and blood – and the hulk's head landed several feet away from his body in the bloodied sand. Endymion watched with a stoic expression on his face as the man's headless body fell forward, with a pool of blood seeping into the hot sand.
"I almost doubted you'd kill him in time." Andrew groaned, but with a blood-smeared smirk on his handsome face.
Endymion couldn't help the grin as he looked down onto the blond still lying with his back on the arena floor.
"I should have let him kill you." he retorted with a dismissive shake of his head, but his blue eyes shimmered with amusement. "What a suicidlal fool one must be to attack that man directly?"
But Andrew just shrugged his shoulder with a boyish smile on his lips.
"It gave you the distraction you needed, did it not?" he laughed.
Endymion rolled his eyes, but a smile curled his lips as he offered his companion a hand to help him up.
"You are either foolish or brave – I haven't decided yet." he told him while shaking his head anew.
Andrew simply winked at him.
"Maybe both."
Endymion laughed as he looked at the Roman he had learnt to call friend.
"Maybe both." he agreed.
Both men turned towards the arena's cheering crowd and lifted their arms in victory. The people of Capua screamed in ecstasy – the women's eyes were filled with lust and longing while the men's were filled with admiration.
Andrew laughed at that, a cheerful sound that floated over the arena's crimson sand as the crowd cheered in admiration of their victory over one of the Republic's most feared gladiators.
Endymion had both swords lifted into the hot summer's air – a manly roar of triumph on his lips as he met the people of Capua's cheers proudly. Droplets of crimson liquid made their way down his blades, falling down like bloody teardrops to the torrid sand beneath. His gaze wandered to where his Dominus sat. Diamond wore a pleased smile on his face, his eyes shining with utter contentment as he watched Endymion over the rim of his golden goblet. He nodded his head, a silent message passing between them. Endymion's system filled with satisfaction at the motion, and the smile on his face broadened.
Another dead man – another victory – another win.
Another step further towards finding his sister.
His eyes then wandered to the empty seat next to the Dominus – causing a wave of disappointment to wash through his veins.
She hadn't come, he thought and his eyes darkened.
Again, she hadn't come.
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"His reputation is well deserved, Diamond." the man with long brown hair said with something close to fascination. "I have to admit that I am impressed by your gladiator's performance."
"Impressed?" a man with red hair snorted. "Luck is all he had! Besides… two against one – that was hardly a fair fight."
Diamond rolled his eyes and tore his eyes away from his two victorious gladiators on the arena sand.
"Wasn't it you who said with pride in your voice that your gladiator could slaughter my entire Ludus, Rubeus?" he addressed the red-head with raised brows and a cold smirk on his face. "But he couldn't even stand against two of my latest acquisitions – both of them mere novices in the gladiatorial arts, and still skilled enough to kill him in no more than ten minutes. It really makes me wonder about the quality of your much-vaunted Ludus."
Rubeus narrowed his eyes to dangerous slits as he glared with burning eyes at Diamond.
"I assure you, the Ludus of our house still yields the best gladiators the Republic has ever seen." the woman next to Rubeus said and placed one hand onto the red-head's to keep him silent. "But I think my cousin and I have to admit that your gladiators are very impressive. I surely didn't expect them to beat Chiral."
She laughed then, a high-pitched overdone noise that made the red-head next to her roll his eyes in annoyance.
Diamond smirked at her, and he nodded his head in acknowledgment.
"I thank you, Esmeraude." he said lowly, his eyes darkening a little as he looked at her. "At least one member of your family appears to have an understanding of good gladiatorial fights and is wise enough to put acknowledgment of skills before childish jealousy."
The woman blushed under Diamond's intent gaze, and he couldn't help the high-pitched giggle that escaped her mouth.
"Jealousy?" Rubeus hissed, his face now nearly as red as his hair. "Why should I be jealous of someone who should rather belong to those fighting for our amusement than sit here among us?"
Esmeraude's eyes went wide, and she let out a shocked gasp at the man's words.
"Rubeus!" she exclaimed heatedly while moving her blood-red fan frantically before her face.
The smirk on Diamond's face vanished instantly, and was replaced by a murderous expression. He slowly settled the goblet of wine onto the armrest, and leant a little closer towards Rubeus.
"Would you care to elaborate, dear friend?" he said, his voice calm as he spoke, but his eyes spoke volumes of the hatred that roared within.
Rubeus leant a little away, and he swallowed hard as he met the other man's heated gaze.
But before he was able to reply, not that he thought it was possible due to the big lump that had formed inside his throat, the man with the long brown hair came to his rescue.
"Gentlemen." he chuckled in amusement. "This is not the time to ruin such a blessed day with competitive behavior. Rome agrees that both of your honorable houses and their lanistas offer our empire highly skilled gladiators who have served our people's amusement for many years. Even though I have to agree that Diamond appears to have the magic touch when it comes to his gladiators lately."
Diamond sent one last glare in Rubeus direction before his posture relaxed a little and leant back against his chair.
"Something that seems to run in our family." he addressed the man with the long brown hair. "In all honesty, it was my sister who pleaded for the Thracian's life to train him in the gladiatorial arts. But I'm glad she did. He turns out to be a talented addition to my collection of titans."
"Ah…" the man chuckled and nodded his head. "The mysterious Lady Serenity. My brother seems to be rather fond of her. I was very excited to meet her – what a shame to find her absent today."
Diamond's eyes moved a little towards the center of the arena where Endymion and Andrew were still basking in the glow of gladiatorial fame.
"I am afraid my sister does not enjoy the games." he finally sighed while tracing the rim of his goblet with his thumb. "She's of a very delicate nature. Bloodshed and death is something she is not very fond of."
Esmeraude next to him threw her head back and let out a loud laugh.
"A daughter of the house of Tadius who faints at the mere sight of blood and death? That is truly amusing. I watched her face during the Vulcanalia. She was as pale as snow – I haven't seen her since. What a foolish girl who cannot even bear a little bit of blood."
"I would advise you to refrain from talking about my sister in such a manner." Diamond said icily, and Esmeraude's cheerful smile fell from her face when she looked straight into his suddenly hate-filled dark eyes.
She flushed a little in embarrassment and averted her gaze.
"Forgiveness." she said in a dry voice. "It wasn't my intent to be disrespectful, Diamond, merely to point out the humorous irony of it."
Diamond's eyes darkened even further while his thin lips were set to a thin line.
"Your family's humor appears to be just as bad as the gladiators it sends to the arena."
With that said, he abruptly stood and turned towards the man with the long brown hair, a sudden wide smile on his face.
"Praetor Taiki" he announced and spread his arms wide as if in invitation. "Please do me the honor and join us for dinner tonight. I would be only too glad to introduce you to my dear sister and show you more of my victorious gladiators that will soon be on everyone's lips in all the Empire."
Taiki smiled and nodded his head.
"I thank you for your invitation, Diamond." he replied. "I am honored to be invited."
Diamond smirked at the man, and his indigo eyes gleamed with triumph.
Finally, finally he would be able to form the relationships his father had denied him for so long. And he would finally be able to leave this blasted, rotten place to follow his true destiny in Rome.
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"Domina." a male voice from behind her startled her out of her deep thoughts. "Your brother asks for your presence inside."
Serenity let out an exhausted sigh and shook her head.
"I need fresh air to clear my head." Serenity murmured while staring up into the sky. There were thousands of glistering stars, shining beautifully like pearls in the night.
Saphir let out a deep breath and stepped next to her.
"Those celebrations can be quite annoying, I know." he said with something close to understanding in his voice. "But this is a very important evening for the Dominus. He wishes to share it with you."
Serenity just shook her head, but remained silent.
"Praetor Taiki may turn out to be a very valuable ally for your brother." Saphir continued with a serious expression on his face. "The Dominus has waited long for him to accept his invitation to come here. He is in need of your support."
"My support?" Serenity echoed with an arched brow as she turned her head to look at Saphir. "How can I be of any help when the only thing they talk about is today's fight in the arena?"
Saphir remained silent for a moment before he answered.
"The Dominus was also very displeased that you refused to join him today." he said, his voice void of any emotions. "As you did the past weeks."
Serenity let out a bitter laugh.
"It appears my brother is displeased about many things I do."
"He is more displeased about the things you don't do, Domina." he told her, his cool gaze firmly fixed on her.
Serenity's blue eyes narrowed as she whirled around to face her brother's body-slave.
"Well you can go and tell my brother that I refuse to watch people get killed for the mere amusement of Capua's people!" she hissed and balled both of her hands to fists.
Saphir returned her heated gaze with an emotionless expression on his face.
"You are Domina of this house." he said calmly. "It is your duty to represent your father's house at the arena."
Serenity turned back around, her delicate hands grasping tightly at the marble balcony railing. Of course he was right. She was Tiberius' daughter – granddaughter to the most respectable lanista that had ever lived in the Republic. People expected her to watch the games. She had never really liked it, but she had done her duty as expected. Lately, however, she could no longer bring herself to watch the fights. She had tried – but she simply couldn't.
Not when he was fighting.
Her hand unconsciously lifted towards her lips, the tingling sensation a memory of what had occurred a few weeks ago. She saw blue eyes before her, dark and mysterious, intense and dangerous. Even in her memory, they seemed to suck her in, luring her into a world of sin and secrets. A shudder went through her as she remembered their brief moments. It made her heart pound with both excitement and confusion. When he had kissed her, she had detected something within his eyes that had called out to her. There had been confusion that had mirrored her own, but also burning desire and determination. But his blue eyes had also whirled with a deep sadness – something that had made her heart arch for him. It had been there under his layers of fierceness when he had told her that he would fight at the Vulcanalia – and she had been sure that he hadn't wanted to fight – that he was a good man who would only kill if necessary.
And then… then she had seen him fight in the arena. It had been impressive – more impressive than any other gladiatorial fight. Endymion had soon managed to captivate the entire audience, and the people of Capua soon cheered for him to take more lives – to kill more people. It had shocked Serenity as she had watched him, and how he had quickly changed from the Thracian who only killed when necessary to a fierce gladiator – a man who enjoyed taken another man's life. With every kill, with every victory, the triumphant smile on his face had broadened. At the end of the Vulcanalia, he had taken more lives than two hands could count, and he had taken all of them with a smirk on his lips.
Her brother and Capua loved him for it.
But Serenity's heart had filled with something close to betrayal. Maybe it was unfair, maybe it was unreasonable – but she couldn't help the strange pang that pierced her heart whenever she remembered the joyful smile on his face while killing yet another man.
She hadn't returned to the arena after the Vulcanalia – and she had made sure not cross his paths inside her father's villa whenever Diamond would call for him. But she couldn't help but watch him during his trainings with Artemis and the rest of the gladiators. Well-hidden, her eyes would follow his every movement, and a faint smile would form on her lips when he would laugh and fight with Andrew – a blond Roman gladiator – who had become a good friend to him. She would watch with concern on her face whenever Malachite would openly mock or challenge him, but the rest of the gladiators appeared to have accepted him as part of the group.
A true gladiator – a God of the arena.
"Domina." Saphir startled her out of her deep thoughts.
Her eyes refocused on the young man, and she offered him a small, apologetic smile.
"I'm sorry." she said softly. "I'm very tired. I think I shall retire."
She was just about to turn around when Saphir's clipped voice made her stop.
"As I said." he addressed her. "The Dominus wishes for you to return to the celebration. The exhibition fights will soon begin, and your brother wants you to present the winner with the golden laurel wreath. You may retire afterwards."
Serenity's entire body tensed at his words, and her fingers tightened their hold on the balcony railing.
The exhibition fights that Diamond had organized in honor of the Praetor's visit. His best gladiators would fight against each other to show off their skills with wooden swords. Serenity almost enjoyed those fights, knowing that nobody would get injured. But not tonight – not by knowing who would fight tonight.
"We should return, Domina." Saphir told her with a tone that did not leave any room for protest. "We wouldn't want the Dominus to wait any longer."
Serenity pressed her lips to a thin line before she mutely nodded her agreement.
She glanced back at the glistering night sky, and her heart briefly filled with longing for a world in which she could do as she pleased.
One day, she would be free.
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"The way you look makes me almost fear for Jadeite's life." Andrew chuckled as he looked at Endymion who was standing next to him.
If even possible, Endymion's gaze only darkened as he kept his eyes firmly glued on the woman standing at the other side of the spacious room.
She had her bare back turned at him, and her long hair was pinned up to her usual two buns while the rest of her silver mane cascaded down her slender frame. She hadn't turned even once to look at him, had even purposely averted her gaze when she had passed him and the rest of the gladiators on her way back inside.
Endymion had watched her the entire evening, hoping that she would look back at him – only for the briefest of moments. It was the only thing he yearned for after such a long time. Since his victories at the Vulcanalia a few weeks ago, he hadn't seen her – even though his thoughts and dreams were occupied with images of her and her divined beauty. More than once, his mind had wandered back to when he had kissed her – and it always caused a smile to appear on his face. Even though the kiss had lasted only a few moments, her taste and the feel of her lips on his were burnt into his mind. It had been an intuitive reaction, one he should probably regret, but couldn't find it within him to be sorry for. If anything, then he regretted that he hadn't made it last longer, that he hadn't tried to feel more of her in this slight moment of pure happiness. The memory of the kiss they had shared in a dark hallway made his heart pound with excitement against his chest, but it was the memory of her shy smile afterwards, the one she had offered him when she had asked him to call her by her given name, was what filled his entire system with joy. The way she had stared at him, so full of confusion and wonder… it had lifted his spirits to the Gods themselves. If he had died that moment, he had died a happy man. But things had changed since then. Endymion didn't know what he had expected to happen after his bold move, but he certainly hadn't thought her to ignore him the way she did. He knew that she had felt the spark of something intense when they had kissed, had seen it in her eyes when he had entered the arena during the Vulcanalia for the first time. She had been worried about him, frightened for his life to end on Capua's grounds. And he had fought them all – had killed them all, and his heart had sung with happiness as her beautiful eyes had filled with relief back then. But the more fights he had fought, the more had the relief mixed with something close to sadness, an expression he didn't understand. She hadn't returned to the arena afterwards.
And now, she even refused to look at him, while she laughed and smiled at the guests that the Dominus had invited to his house. Endymion's eyes never left Serenity as she interacted with the people around her, and his mood darkened every minute when he realized that she would not answer his silent desperate call.
"So this is the famous Thracian…" a male voice drawled and made his attention shift away from Serenity.
He clenched his teeth as he spotted the man who stood in front of him: A thin, tall man with long brown hair that was tied to a ponytail. He smiled at Endymion, but it was a cold smile, filled with taunting and the feeling of superiority. It was similar to the look the man's brother had given him several months ago.
"I must admit your fight at the arena was very impressive, Thracian." Taiki continued. "When Seiya told me about you, I surely didn't expect a gladiator to enter the sacred ground."
Endymion's eyes filled with darkness at the mentioning of the Praetor's name.
"Then what did you expect, I wonder?" he couldn't help but ask tensely.
Taiki smirked at the gladiator's boldness, as well as the fierceness in the Thracian's eyes.
"A wild animal – a being without a sense of tactics and logic." he said with a dismissive shrug of his shoulders as if the answer had been more than obvious. "After all, most Thracians are."
For the first time that night, Endymion was glad that his hands were bound, preventing him to do something foolish like attacking the arrogant Praetor. So instead, he dug his fingers deeply into the palm of his hand, causing small crescent marks to appear.
"The Praetor would do well not to underestimate my people." Endymion replied darkly. "Several of his men who fought in Thrace made the same mistake and paid with blood for their arrogance."
Out of the corner of his eyes, he saw the look of horror Andrew sent his way. But he didn't care. The Praetor in front of him had no right to insult his people in such a way.
Taiki threw his head back and let out a roar of laughter.
"You truly are something else, Thracian." The brown-haired man chuckled. "I see why my brother seems to dislike you that much – even though I do not share his opinion. Unlike him, I like the fierceness I see in your eyes. It serves you well in the arena. Still, my brother would rather see you dead than victorious."
Endymion glared at him, not liking how he seemed to serve as the Praetor's amusement.
"The feeling is mutual." he growled darkly, not caring about the hissed warning that escaped Andrew's lips.
Taiki grinned at him as he leant a little closer.
"Time will tell who will win this battle, Thracian." he said with a dangerous gleam in his eyes. "But if I were you, I would watch my tongue when my brother visits in a few days. It is not something you will need while fighting in the arena, and I'm sure he would be only too glad to part you from it."
Instead of feelings threatened, Endymion cocked his head in confusion.
"The Praetor will come here?" he couldn't help but ask.
Taiki smirked at him and shrugged his shoulders.
"It is none of your concern, Thracian, but yes, he will visit in a few days." he said. "But do not fear: It is not your company he yearns for."
With these words, the Praetor turned around, smiling brightly as he made his way towards the celebration's host.
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The guests cheered and applauded when Serenity placed the golden laurel wreath onto Andrew's head. The blonde was kneeling before her and smiled up at her, his blue eyes sparkling with a strange mixture of happiness and mischief as he met her gaze.
"Congratulations on your victory." she murmured as she tried to ignore the other gaze that she felt hotly on her skin.
"I thank you, Domina."
He took her hand in his and placed a soft kiss onto it – just as they had been instructed beforehand.
He lifted his gaze to look at her while smiling brightly.
"It certainly was worth the effort." he whispered, his smile broadening as Serenity's cheeks flushed a little at his statement.
Andrew's eyes shone with amusement and happiness, and Serenity couldn't help but smile back at him.
She stepped back a little and made room for him to rise. A fond smile formed on her face as he turned to face the other gladiators, with his arms lifted in a pose of triumph. His companions cheered and bawled loudly, honoring the young gladiator for his victory over Zoycite. Her eyes automatically roamed the two rows of gladiators that were called to fight that evening, and her heart stopped the moment crystal blue accidently met midnight blue. He was staring right back at her, his face absent of any emotions as he rooted her to the spot with nothing more than his gaze. Serenity immediately tore her eyes away from him and turned around to quickly make her way back to Luna, Mina and Lita.
"What an inspiring fight!" Diamond then announced loudly as he stepped into the center of the room, eying his guests with a wide grin on his face. "And what a wonderful way to honor our guest of honor."
He motioned to where Taiki was sitting, and the other guests applauded with happy faces as the well-known Praetor nodded his head in grateful acknowledgement.
"I know you are all waiting with bated breath for our Champion of Capua to face his opponent, the Beast of Gaul!"
Malachite and Nephrite stepped forward, holding their wooden swords up with victory as the crowd cheered in response. Serenity noticed how Mina and Lita next to her giggled and gushed with excitement in joyful anticipation at the evening's nearing highlight.
"Before, however" Diamond announced, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction at the guest's reaction. "I will give you another highlight – a foretaste of what is to follow."
He then turned towards the rows of gladiators.
"Jedeite, step forward!"
A man with short blond hair stepped forward, a smile on his lips. He looked a little like Andrew, tall and lean with crystal blue eyes. But his smile was not warm or gentle, but cold and arrogant. Serenity had seen him fight during the Vulcanalia – had seen the power and skill that lay beneath his rather slender frame. He had killed two gladiators twice his size at a record time – spilling blood with a haughty grin on his face. Serenity knew that he was a close companion to Malachite – the undefeated Celt, the Champion of Capua, and a fierce member of the house's brotherhood, honoring the life and death of a gladiator more than anything else.
"Endymion, step forward."
His name on her brother's lips caused a jolt to go through her body.
She watched from under her lashes as Endymion stepped forward, his stature proud and powerful as his eyes were fixed on Diamond.
"Those two gladiators are two of my best titans. One has won fame for continues bloody victories in our sacred arena, the other has only recently impressed by his fierce and deadly performances. Only today, Endymion has beheaded the feared Chiral from Rubeus' house – the one who has been responsible for the deaths of several of my best gladiators."
The entire room almost exploded with bawling and excitement, and Serenity let out a small gasp as Endymion suddenly looked at her with a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth.
She quickly averted her gaze.
Diamond ordered the two gladiators to take their positions, before he gave his signal for them to begin.
Both men engaged in the fight with full force as they heatedly smashed their wooden swords against each other. Jadeite wore a smile on his face as he fought, his eyes gleaming with challenge as he battled Endymion. The Thracian's expression on the other hand was drawn in concentration, the blue of his eyes clear with fierce determination. He faintly was aware of the crowd's cheers of support, as well as the mock hisses of pain when one wooden sword would either hit Jadeite or him with full force. Some hysteric women shrieked when Jadeite finally pushed him to the ground, his face a world of triumphant satisfaction as he towered above Endymion.
"I guess it's me who will earn the golden laurel wreath tonight, Thracian." he chuckled lightly. "Your victories against some worn out gladiators don't make you a welcomed member among us."
For the briefest of moments, Endymion's eyes clouded with realization. In the blink of an eye, he suddenly moved his legs, successfully making a surprised Jadeite to lose his footing. Quickly, Endymion jumped back to his feet and tackled Jadeite to the ground, pressing him to the marble floor as he placed the edge of his wooden sword against his throat.
"I guess 'pride comes before a fall' is a saying that you should better keep in mind, Jadeite." Endymion whispered lowly so that only the other gladiator could hear him. "For it won't be wood I will press against your throat the next time."
The startled expression on Jadeite's face vanished and was replaced by a cheerful grin.
"I guess it is not the only thing I will keep in mind, Thracian." he laughed, causing Endymion's stony face to soften a little with confusion.
"Endymion is the victor!" Diamond exclaimed cheerfully, and Endymion lifted his weight from the man beneath him and helped him up.
The wide grin on Jadeite's face never faltered as he lightly slapped Endymion on the shoulder in appreciation, before he returned to stand with the rest of the gladiators.
Andrew winked at him, causing a small smile to appear on the Thracian's lips.
"Come here, Endymion!" Diamond commanded cheerfully and motioned him to step towards the room's center.
Endymion followed the Dominus' order without protest as his body seemed to automatically near the place where Serenity was standing with the golden sign of victory in her delicate hands.
She had her eyes downcast, and it filled his entire system with annoyance that she still wouldn't look at him.
He stepped in front of her, closer than the others before him had. The scent of roses and vanilla immediately filled his senses, and the tingling memory of her lips on his immediately occupied his thoughts. She had her gaze downcast with her eyes firmly fixed on the laurel wreath she held with both hands. Endymion had to keep himself from placing his fingers underneath her chin and lift her head, forcing her to look at him.
But instead, he kneeled down in front of her, his eyes fixed upon her beautiful face. She was even more beautiful than he remembered. Alabaster skin and thick lashes that framed her eyes. Not to mention that the dress she wore revealed more skin than he had ever seen on her before. The sight made him want to forget about everyone and everything in the room and kiss her again, to worship her with his hands and mouth the way she deserved.
So close… yet so far.
It was killing him inside.
"Have I displeased you, Domina?" he suddenly heard himself ask in a low voice.
Serenity's eyes widened a little as she heard his voice. Her eyes met his, and her stomach clenched a little eith guilt as she saw the confusion and spark of pain whirling through his pools of midnight blue.
She swallowed a little, praying to every God that her voice wouldn't be hoarse and soundless when she spoke.
"You fought very well." she told him quietly. "I compliment you on your victory, gladiator. You truly have earned this."
With trembling hands, she placed the laurel wreath onto his head while feeling his intent gaze hot on her skin.
Serenity was just about to step back when Endymion quickly took her hand in his, reminding her that there was still a part of the victory ceremony missing. She looked at him, her pale cheeks flushing as his lips met the back of her hand. His dark eyes never left hers as he kissed her skin. His fingers tightened a little around her hand, and his soft lips lingered a little longer as they probably should.
"It was not the laurels I had in mind when I fought." he told her lowly, causing the flush on her skin to deepen.
Endymion then released his hold on her hand and rose.
"What a delightful evening!" they heard Diamond's voice exclaim with satisfaction. "I am sure Endymion will soon be able to fight the main fight if he keeps up his training!"
Endymion offered the Dominus a tight nod of gratitude, his face blank as he looked at Diamond.
Diamond then turned his attention towards his guests, proudly announcing the evening's highlight – the fight between Malachite and Nephrite.
Serenity was just about to return to her place next to Mina and Luna when a hand suddenly grabbed hers, pulling her closer.
"Come to my cell tonight." Endymion whispered into her ear.
Serenity let out a startled gasp as she looked up at him. His handsome face was still unreadable, but his blue eyes shone with a spark of pleading as he stared at her. Before anyone could notice, he released her hand and walked past her, heading towards the group of gladiators without waiting for her response.
The familiar wave of longing and excitement washed through her veins as she stared after his tall frame.
Her mind was telling her to ignore his request, demanding her to listen to reason.
Serenity, however, was not a woman who would listen to reason when her heart yearned for something entirely different.
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Endymion stood at the small window of his cell, staring out into the glistering night sky. His fingers tightened more and more around the iron bars with every minute that ticked by.
Waiting.
It had been hours since he had been sent back to his cell – and he was sure that it was only two hours or three before Apollo would make the sun rise again.
She hadn't come.
His heart clenched painfully in his chest as hope gave place to bitter realization.
Endymion let out a deep sigh of frustration. He should have known. Why should she follow his order? Why should the lamb enter the lion's lair?
The expression on his face turned angry – not at her, but at himself. How could he have been so foolish and yearn for something – someone – who was out of his reach.
Endymion let his forehead rest against the cool metal of his bars and closed his eyes.
He should concentrate on his next fights, and the gains he would make. Diamond had told him that he had already begun the search for his sister – and he had even promised him to ask Taiki about her. Maybe the Praetor's brother knew something about Raye's whereabouts.
Endymion felt the hot tears of desperation and hopelessness form behind his closed eyes. It had been so long until she had been taken, and Endymion prayed to every deity in this world or above to hold their protective hands over her.
Suddenly, a noise behind him made him whirl around. His entire body tensed as the door to his cell silently opened a little, just enough so that a small, hooded figure could sneak in. Endymion's heart roared with anticipation, new-found hope and confusion as he watched the small person close the door behind her. She hesitated a moment before she lifted the hood of her dark cloak, revealing what he already knew lay beneath.
He knew it was her – had known it from the moment she had entered.
He knew it was her because his soul had immediately felt lighter, and the room brighter.
Her silver hair fell down in waves, and the moonlight made her pale skin sparkle.
She was a vision to behold – a creature of light in an ocean of darkness.
Even though Endymion's heart leaped with joy that she had come, he at the same moment felt a spark of anger to bloom in his heart. The lamb had willingly come to the lion – unprotected and vulnerable.
Trusting.
"I don't have much time." her angelic voice floated through the dark cell. "Mina and Lita can only distract the guards for so long."
Serenity's eyes were glued to the floor, unable to meet Endymion's dark gaze that seemed to stare right into her soul. She knew how foolish it had been to come here – and her heart filled with guilt at how she had pleaded with Mina and Lita to distract the guards so that she could enter the gladiators' prison undetected. Both women had been less than happy about her plan to see the gladiator tonight – even Mina had openly voiced her concerns about what he could do to her. But she knew that she could trust him, and it had been the desperate gleam in his eyes that had made her come here tonight.
"Have I displeased you, Domina?" Endymion echoed his words from earlier while stepping tentatively closer.
Serenity swallowed hard as she heard him approach.
"I told you to call me Serenity." She whispered without lifting her eyes.
Her heart stopped for a moment or two as she felt more than saw when he was stopping right before her.
"Serenity." he whispered, the huskiness of his voice and longing within sending shivers through her system.
The beauty let out a small gasp as she felt his rough fingers under her chin, gently forcing her head to lift.
She stared at him with wide eyes as her gaze finally met his.
He was standing so close that Serenity felt the heat of his body on her skin.
"Have I displeased you, Serenity?" he asked again, and her heart melted at the gentle sound of his voice and the spark of pain and confusion that was clouding his dark eyes.
Serenity stared at him a moment longer before she forced herself to tear her gaze away from him and took a step away from him, creating more distance.
Out of the corners of her eyes, she saw how Endymion's arm dropped to his side. She once again felt his gaze on her, hot and suffocating like the silence that was stretching out between them.
"You haven't." the woman finally croaked, the sound of her voice foreign to her own ears.
"Haven't I?" Endymion challenged in a tone that was a mixture of pain and anger. "Then why are you avoiding me?"
Serenity bit her lower lip in guilt, but she remained silent.
"Is it because I kissed you?" Endymion probed and took a step further towards her, making Serenity's heartbeat increase. "Was I a fool to assume that you might have enjoyed it like I did?"
Serenity lifted her eyes in shock as his thumb gently traced her bottom lip.
"The feel of your lips on mine haunt me in my dreams, Serenity." he whispered while his eyes followed his finger. "Am I a fool to hope that you might share this longing?"
Serenity felt trapped by his overwhelming presence, his feathery touch causing heat to pool in her stomach.
"How can you be so gentle?" she asked with sincere confusion in her eyes as she stared at him. "And yet so coldhearted when in the arena?"
The gentle movement of Endymion's thumb stopped, and his face clouded with genuine confusion.
Serenity stepped away and went past him while trying to calm her frantically beating heart.
"Is this why you are angry with me?" Endymion asked in disbelief, and slowly turned around to face her. "Because I killed men in the arena? Would you rather have them kill me?"
Serenity could see and feel the anger that was starting to take ahold of the man. But she stood her ground and lifted her head in defiance.
"Of course not." she said, and shook her head determinedly. "I just never thought you a man to actually enjoy it."
"Enjoy it?" Endymion echoed, his eyes darkening with every second.
"Yes." Serenity said, her voice trembling a little at the darkness on his face. "I see the smile on your face whenever you kill a man – a man you hardly know. A man who probably does not even deserve death."
"Only a handful of men deserve death." Endymion told her darkly.
"You are angry with me because I kill men and think that I enjoy taking their lives?" he summarized as he approached her, his gaze heated as it rooted her to the spot.
Serenity swallowed hard before he nodded quietly.
Endymion now stood directly before her, and a dismissive laugh escaped his lips as he shook his head at her.
"I thought you have grown up in this damned place?" he hissed. "Is it really such a big surprise for you that a man must kill, maybe even enjoy it, to survive in a goddamned prison like this?"
Serenity took in a shaky breath, her eyes wide as she stared up at him.
Endymion leant in closer, his tall frame towering threateningly above her.
"You condemn me for something that you have brought upon me, princess." he told her icily with a hint of taunting in his voice. "The life of a gladiator."
Serenity's shocked gasp echoed through the cell, and the tears that formed in her eyes were what made Endymion's angry-clouded mind clear with the reality of what he had just said.
"I should go." she whispered and pushed him away from her to move past him.
Fear gripped Endymion's heart as he saw her leave.
She couldn't leave – not like this – not now.
Serenity had already opened the cell's door a little, when a push from behind her made it close again. She stood frozen in place as she felt the front of his body close to her back, trapping her between him and the door.
She shivered as he felt his hand on her shoulder, a voiceless, gentle motion to keep her in place.
"I am sorry." Endymion whispered, his voice laced with genuine regret. "I never meant to sound ungrateful. I owe you everything. My life… and the opportunity to right the failures from the past. If it's not too late."
A frown appeared on her forehead as she heard pain she had never experiences before resonate in Endymion's voice.
She slowly turned around, her head cocked and with questions in her eyes as she looked at his haunted face.
Endymion offered her a sad smile, and shook his head lightly.
"You ask whether I enjoy killing these men in the arena?" he asked, earning a silent nod from the beauty.
"The answer is: yes, Serenity. Yes I enjoy killing these men." Endymion answered truthfully, and Serenity's eyes filled with horror at his words.
"But not for the reasons that you might think." he quickly continued, placing both hands onto her shoulders to prevent her from leaving. "I enjoy it because every fight I win will help me find my sister."
"Your… your sister?" Serenity echoed, the horror on her face changing to confusion.
"She has been taken when I failed to protect her." Endymion explained bitterly and his vision clouded with ghosts from the past. "The Dominus proposed that he could use the money I've earnt in the arena to search for her and buy her freedom. She… she's the only family I have left. I must save her. And if it means to kill these men in the arena, I will do it."
Serenity's expression softened, and glistering teardrops formed in the corners of her crystal blue eyes as she listened to him.
"Whenever I am about to kill another man, I do not see the man before me, but her face. The reason why I'm fighting, why I am taking these men's lives. That is why a smile appears on my face whenever my sword ends another's life."
His vision cleared, and his eyes focused back on her.
"Do you think me cruel?" he asked with genuine concern in his voice and eyes. "Do you think me selfish to path the road of her freedom with corpses of others?"
Serenity lifted one hand to cup his face, a gentle but sad smile showing on her face.
"You couldn't be less selfish." she whispered while glistering tears of compassion ran down her cheeks.
How could she have ever thought him heartless? How could she have ever doubted him?
Endymion's heart sung with relief as he watched the understanding in her tear-filled eyes. His fingers lifted to gently wipe the glistering prove of her compassion away from her soft skin, his fingers lingering. He slowly bent down, his lips hovering some moments above hers before he closed the gap to place a soft kiss upon her mouth. The kiss was soft and sweet, his silent thanks for her understanding and compassionate heart. After a moment, he pulled away a little and looked at her with a questioning look on his face.
Giving her the choice.
It took Serenity only the time of a butterfly's wingbeat to respond. She moved forward, kissing him with passion she didn't know she had. Endymion was surprised at first, not expecting her bold movement, but he quickly returned her kiss with equal eagerness. He held her face with one hand while his other encircled her waist, pulling her closer.
The low moan that escaped her lips was almost is undoing. He moved her back until her back hit the door behind her, making her gasp. Endymion exploited the opportunity and let his tongue gently caress hers, eager to feel and taste more of her. Serenity's arms wrapped around his neck as she pulled him even closer, kissing him back with feverish desire. No feeling she had ever felt before came even close to what it felt to have Endymion's body press into hers while his mouth eagerly took all she had to give. She felt how his hands began to roam her body, making their way beneath her cloak to feel the thin fabric of her satin dress she wore underneath. Endymion groaned as he felt the softness and heat of her skin under his cool fingertips. No matter how many times he had imaged to touch her like that, it did not even come close to what reality felt like. His desire for her grew with every touch, with every new spot of her delicious body that his hands explored. His kiss turned more and more passionate, almost desperate as he pressed her more firmly against his heated form. After a while, their lips finally parted. Like the first time when they had kissed, he rested his forehead against hers, both panting heavily as they tried to calm their frantically beating hearts.
"I have to go." Serenity was the first to end the pleasure-filled silence between them.
But Endymion only tightened his hold around her and started to kiss down her neck.
"Don't go." he whispered as his mouth made its way to her ear. "Don't go."
Serenity shuddered with a new wave of pleasure, but finally pushed him gently away.
Endymion's eyes were dark with desire for her as he stared down at the beauty, silently pleading with her to stay.
"I have to." Serenity insisted hoarsely while her eyes spoke of what her heart truly wished for. "Mina and Lita cannot keep the guards distracted for much longer."
Resistance flickered in Endymion's gaze for the briefest of moments, until reality came crashing down onto him. He was a gladiator, she the Domina. He slowly nodded, a sad smile on his face as he stepped a little away from her.
Before he was able to say anything else, Serenity suddenly moved forward and pulled him into another kiss.
"I thank you for sharing with me the reason you fight… Endymion." she whispered with a genuine smile on her face.
The words wouldn't leave his mouth as he watched her leave.
When the door closed behind her, his fingers lifted to his mouth, yearning to feel the lingering warmth her lips had left there.
It had been the first time she had addressed him by his name.
He smiled the first genuine smile in weeks.
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Notes
Wohoo another chapter. And a pretty long one as well... I simply couldn't stop writing.
(I'm a little bit in love with my own story ... :D)
Thank you SOO much for your amazing response and the kind words you find for this story!
It really makes me happy to see you enjoy it!
Have a great weak!
J