Chapter 11
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His dark brown eyes followed the twirling movement of his sword that he was spinning on the cold marble floor. A faint wave of pain washed from his shoulder through his body, but he barely noticed it. The sword's silver metal caught the last rays of sunlight that flooded the villa's hall, causing flickering spots of white and yellow to dance across the blood-smeared white walls.
"This place is disgusting." an angry female voice sounded, but the man did not look up to respond. Instead, he continued to twirl his sword with one hand, while his chin rested on the other, deep in thought.
"They could at least have cleaned the walls." the woman continued as she let her gaze roam the room. "The blood of these Romans smells like shit."
The man's mouth turned into a smirk, but his eyes never left his twirling sword.
"If it bothers you as much, dear sister, then please go and fetch some water and clean this mess." he told her.
A scoff left his sister's mouth, making the man finally lift his head and look at her.
She was standing some feet in front of him, clothed in her leather warrior outfit and with her arms crossed before her chest.
"Even the slightest remainders of Romans should be destroyed." She told him with burning eyes. "No trace of their existence should remain."
The man leant back against the marble chair and eyed his beautiful sister with a smirk on his face. There was probably no other woman in this world that hated the Romans as much as she did.
He was glad – and he hoped that all of his followers would carry this burning flame of blind hatred and destructive iron will in their hearts. Some did, but none of them came even close.
They had not experienced enough. They had not suffered enough.
"I find them rather decorative." he then told his sister while motioning towards the spots and smears of crimson against white marble. "They are proof of our superiority. It would be a shame to simply wash this away."
His sister raised her brows before she shrugged her shoulders in nonchalance.
"Do as you wish, brother." she finally huffed, but the man knew that she did indeed like the idea.
"What's the news, sister mine?" the man then asked while eying the young woman closely.
Before she answered, his sister strolled towards the large marble table and grabbed a bloody-red apple. She eyed the fruit in her hand for a moment longer before she took a bite out of it with relish. She hummed in appreciation at the taste of it, and licked her lips as some of the apple's juice ran down her mouth and chin. The young woman opened her eyes again, a wicked grin on her face as she spotted her brother's darkened gaze.
"Roman scouts – probably sent by the fool Praetor Yaten himself – have found the remains of the noble villa we paid a visit to only few days ago." his sister reported with glistering dark eyes. "Blood and bodies included, of course."
The young man cocked his head a little, motioning his sister to continue.
She let out a cackling laughter before proceeding.
"Those fools fell for the hints prepared for them." she told him with a broad grin on her face. "They are heading north."
This piece of information brought a content smile onto the man's sun-kissed face.
"So they have no idea where we are hiding?" he pressed with one brow arched.
His sister offered him a broad grin.
"They will find out soon enough." she declared, her almond-shaped eyes quickly darting to the bloodied walls. "But for now, they have no idea."
"Good." the man smirked. "It will give us enough time to plan our next steps."
"Which is?" the woman asked and hopped onto the marble table, her brown eyes never leaving her brother's.
The young man let out a soft chuckle and stood up. He slowly walked towards where his sister was sitting, a dark smile on his lips as he reached her.
He took the half-eaten apple from her and stared at it for a moment. His hand then lifted, and his fingers trailed the light scar above her right brow gently… an injury she had since she had successfully rescued him from the arena.
He bent down and kissed the scar gently, his lips lingering.
"Capua." he whispered against her skin, his eyes darkening at the thought of returning.
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Shouts and moans echoed from the walls of the training area, accompanied by the dull sounds of wooden weapons that clashed together with force. Tiberius' tired eyes focused on the black-haired gladiator who was fighting in the center. Endymion had a triumphant smirk on his face as he quickly sidestepped his opponent's attack, only to throw him onto the sand with just another clever move of his wooden sword and body. The Dominus' lips lifted with amusement, and the blue of his eyes lit up with appreciation. It seemed as if Endymion improved by the day. He truly was a skilled fighter, and bit by bit, he finally made the impression to enjoy the fight. Tiberius had to admit that he had grown rather fond of the Thracian. Over the past two weeks, they had spent quite some time together – talking about the Gods in this world or above, about Thrace and other lands that Tiberius had been to, about the battles the old Roman had won. He had been impressed by Endymion's wit and knowledge of strategy in war, but also by the Thracian's clever remarks on philosophies beyond the battlefield. The more time they had spent, the more had Tiberius regretted that Endymion had not been born a Roman – he surely would have made it far. But they Gods seemed to have different plans for him – something that they had yet to reveal.
"Dominus?" a voice from behind him addressed him gently.
Tiberius' gaze lingered a little longer on the training Thracian before he slowly turned around to face Artemis who had entered the room.
"Old friend." the Roman sighed with a soft smile on his tired lips. "How many times do I have to tell you not to call me by this name? We surely are more than Dominus and servant, are we not?"
Artemis smiled at him and nodded his head in agreement.
"You needed to speak to me." the Doctore stated, his steel-blue eyes barely hiding the curiosity within.
Tiberius let out another sigh and moved towards the small marble table nearby.
Artemis watched with a frown on his face as the Dominus walked on wobbly legs. The other man tried his best to hide his shakiness, but it was too obvious not to notice.
"Tiberius…" Artemis took an instinctive step forward to help him, but immediately stopped when the Dominus held up one hand.
"It is alright, old friend." Tiberius told him with a weak smile on his face, his eyes speaking of tiredness and exhaustion as he glanced at the house's Doctore. "Just a little wave of dizziness."
With shaky hand, he grabbed the bottle with golden liquor in it and filled a goblet.
"Nothing some honey wine cannot cure." he told him with a boyish wink.
Artemis smiled fondly at the older man and shook his head.
"How many times have I told you to stop drinking this?" he chided softly, but without a hint of malice in his voice.
Tiberius let out hearty laugh, his old eyes filling with life.
"At least once more, my friend." he replied with a chuckle. "As always."
Artemis smiled and shook his head, but remained silent.
"I will depart for Ravenna tomorrow morning to meet with Preator Yaten." Tiberius then said, his eyes focused on the goblet of wine in his hand.
Artemis stared at the other man, waiting for him to continue.
Tiberius let out another tired sigh, his gaze lifting to meet the Doctore's eyes.
"I will not return." he said, his face serious while his eyes glistered with the certainty of his own words.
"Then maybe you should not leave." replied Artemis with a small shrug.
The Dominus' lips curled into an amused smile.
"Maybe not." he agreed with a soft laugh.
But the smile quickly left his features, and was replaced by the exhaustion of a lifetime of battles and efforts beyond the battlefield. He stepped to the window, his gaze once again focusing onto the training area beneath them.
"The rebels have moved northwards, while leaving a path of blood and destruction on their way." he told Artemis who had taken the place next to him. "Roman lives were taken in the cruelest of ways – and even slaves that did not want to join were downright slaughtered."
He let out a long sigh, shaking his head in disapproval.
"It seems every attack is worse than the other – and the rebels grow stronger by each day."
Artemis' brows drew together in confusion.
"But the leader was killed." he replied. "Malachite himself killed him during the executions."
Tiberius just shrugged his shoulders.
"Maybe his death made another leader to arise." he offered. "By the way, how is our former Champion?"
"His state is improving by the day." Artemis replied. "I didn't think he would make it, but he is a strong warrior and has a great will to survive. He is a Titan." He added proudly.
Tuberius smiled and nodded.
"Just like you were. And I guess the concern and care of a beautiful woman always helps." The Dominus chuckled.
Artemis turned his head to look at the other man with raised brows.
"Serenity told me." the Dominus explained. "It seems that Mina has yet to leave Malachite's side."
He sighed and shook his head with amusement.
"Ah… young love." he said dreamily.
Artemis let out a dismissive laugh.
"You should not encourage this, Tiberius." He then replied darkly. "It is foredoomed to fail, and you know it."
"Only because you decided against a life with love in it, old friend?" Tiberius inquired with raised brows.
Artemis' head turned sharply, his steel-blue eyes alive with memories long by.
"I made the right choice." he replied calmly while his gaze burned darkly. "I sent her away to protect her."
"You could have followed, Artemis." Tiberius pointed out. "I gave you the opportunity."
Artemis' eyes returned to look down onto the training area. The wind picked up, making his long silver hair dance through the warm summer's air.
"I am a gladiator. My place is here." he said after long moments of silence. "But it was and still is no place for Luna. I did the right thing for the both of us. I never regretted it."
Tiberius looked at his old friend before he finally nodded his head in agreement.
"I agree." he said.
He took a long drink before continuing.
"I made arrangements for Serenity to leave Capua." he finally revealed, his eyes never leaving the fighting gladiators. "She will not return to this house."
Artemis' brows lifted in surprise.
"You are going to send her back to the temple?" he asked. "When?"
But Tiberius just shook his head.
"Serenity will not return to the temple." Tiberius clarified. "She will travel to Rome to stay with Praetor Seiya."
He made a pause there, his fingers curling tighter around the goblet in his hand.
"He asked for her hand in marriage. I agreed."
There was a long beat of silence between them.
"It surely is a wise decision." Artemis finally said. "The Praetor is a respectable man, every girl would be lucky to be in your daughter's place."
"Certainly." Tiberius nodded in agreement. "Seiya has earned his place and is respected throughout the entire Empire. He has a fiery temper from time to time, but he is still young and learning. He will make a good man to Serenity, and a good leader of my troops."
"Your troops?" Artemis echoed in surprise, his eyes widening at this piece of information.
"Yes." The Dominus replied with determination in his voice and eyes. "I gave it serious consideration, and I came to the conclusion that this is the best choice."
Artemis just stared at him, waiting for the old man to continue.
"I am an old man, Artemis." Tiberius sighed. "I am sick, and will not see this winter, maybe not even the end of this summer. I need to depart for the Orcus with knowing that everything that I have built and created will be in good hands."
"What about Diamond?" Artemis asked after another long pause.
Tiberius closed his eyes and took in a long breath.
What about Diamond? A question that had cost him hours of sleep and that had drained his energy. But he had made the right decision, he knew that he had. Diamond would hate him for that, for everything – even more than he did know. But it was the right decision.
"Diamond is a great Lanista." He finally said. "He has done well until know, and he will even improve over the years. He will make the House of Tadius shine in new splendor. But he will not be part of politics, he will not be part of the military. This is my decision."
Artemis stared at him for some more moments before he replied.
"And I will help him understand the glory and the honor you offer him." he said seriously. "I vow to lead him as far as I can so that he reaches glory that surpasses anything that he could have gained on the battle field."
Tiberius smiled at that, and his eyes shone with gratitude as he laid one shaky hand on the Doctore's broad shoulder.
"I thank you for that, Artemis." he whispered.
Artemis returned the smile and nodded.
"Your will, my command … my friend."
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Serenity was standing on the balcony of her room, her silvery eyes following the thick drops of rain that poured from the dark night-sky. A soft chill was in the air, making her to pull the soft fabric of her white shawl tighter around her body. Her father had already gone to sleep, but she could not. She felt as if her body was on fire as her rapidly beating heart pumped hot waves of excitement through her system.
She would wait – wait until they would return.
"No sign yet?" a gentle voice from behind her addressed her gently.
Serenity wordlessly shook her head in response, her gaze firmly fixed on the dark outside.
Luna chuckled and embraced the small blonde from behind.
"You should go to sleep, my darling girl." Luna whispered with a smile. "You will meet her tomorrow."
Serenity let out a long sigh and leaned against the woman behind her.
"But I want to meet her today." she finally said. "She has gone through so much – I want her to know that there are friendly people in this house who will help her heal."
Her father had sent out Diamond and some soldiers to receive the chariot that would bring Endymion's sister to Capua. Her brother had been confused at first, but Serenity knew that her father had grown rather fond of Endymion and that he had promised the Thracian that his sister would be safely accompanied to the house. The thought made Serenity smile. In another world, during another time, she was sure that Tiberius would have accepted Endymion as equal.
"I'm sure your brother will tell her about her life that will await her, Serenity." Luna suddenly said gently.
Serenity gently bit her lip and shook her head.
"Diamond can be quite frightening and strange from time to time." she mumbled.
She felt how Luna's body behind her tense for a moment at her words.
"True." the Priestess then agreed slowly. "But this woman seems to be very strong. I doubt that anything that Diamond says to her will very much impress her."
"She seems to be a lot like her brother." Serenity said softly with a smile on her face.
"The Thracian?" Luna asked with raised brows and moved to stand next to Serenity.
The blonde woman quickly hid the smile on her face when she felt Luna's burning gaze on her flushed skin.
"Don't get too attached, Serenity." Luna then said with a sigh and shook her head. "You know that their lives can end each day. I don't want you to befriend them and mourn their inevitable deaths in the end."
Serenity's knuckles turned white as her fingers tightened around the balcony rail.
She just nodded in response, but said nothing.
They didn't know – they wouldn't understand.
She would find a way to rescue Endymion from this fate – she would make sure that he would not face his death in the arena. What worried her, though, was that Endymion – the new Champion of Capua – seemed to more and more enjoy the fights, the killing.
He was a God – Mars himself whenever he would enter the arena. His skin was shining like armor, and his lips would curl with cold amusement whenever another opponent would cross his path.
He was invincible, undestroyable: A God of the arena.
"Serenity…" Luna addressed her after some moments of silence. "Your father needs to speak to you tomorrow before he leaves for Ravenna."
Serenity's brows furrowed at the serious tone in the Priestess' voice.
She turned her head to look at her, the confusion within her growing as the spotted Luna's watery eyes. She immediately grabbed the older woman's hands, squeezing them a little.
"Luna…" she exclaimed heatedly. "What is wrong? Why are you crying?"
To her surprise, Luna let out a cheerful laugh, while tears fell from her long lashes.
"Don't mind me my sweet girl." she said with a shiny smile on her face. "I am just an old fool who loves you too much for her own sake."
Serenity offered the Priestess an irritated smile and shook her head.
"I love you too, Luna." she assured firmly. "But I'm afraid I still don't understand."
Luna shook her head and freed one hand from Serenity's grasp to brush away the glistering tears from her face. She then cupped the young woman's face and gently stroked the soft skin.
"You will tomorrow, my Serenity." she said. "Just know that I am so happy for you and that you deserve all the happiness in this world – even if it is without me."
Invisible hands wrapped around Serenity's heart, squeezing tightly. Her eyes widened, and she took an abrupt step away from Luna. Her hands automatically went to the small rose-shaped pendant around her neck that Endymion had given to her.
"Wha … what are you talking about, Luna?" she asked in a shaky voice, her silvery eyes searching the Priestess' face that was a world of both happiness and regret.
Luna had already opened her mouth to reply, the happiness suddenly vanished from her face. Luna's dark eyes were wide open and her body completely still as she listened to the silence.
Serenity wanted to know what was wrong, but was immediately stopped by a sharp motion of Luna's hand. Panic washed through her body when Luna suddenly rushed towards the window to peer outside, a gasp of horror escaping her mouth. It was then that Serenity heard a death scream pierce through the air, followed by roaring and battle shouting.
Only within a few moments, hell broke loose.
She rushed to the window nearby, her heart skipping a beat when she looked down onto the villa's garden. She covered her mouth with her hand to avoid her scream from escaping as she watched how ten, maybe twenty men with glistering skin and leathern clothes slid the Roman soldiers' throats. She heard the house's protectors tormented cries whenever hot metal would pierce skin, and she realized in horror that the garden's fountain's water had turned crimson. Serenity suddenly spotted a tall man who was standing on the edge of the fountain. He ran his bloodied glistering sword through another Roman soldier, ending his life with a satisfied look on his face. Serenity watched in horror as he threw the lifeless body into the water, a cruel laugh on his lips as he watched the water turn even a darker shade of red. He then suddenly stopped in motion, his brows furrowing a little as if lost on thought. The man then suddenly turned his head around and looked up. A horrified gasp escaped Serenity's mouth as she realized that the man was staring right at her. Her breath hitched as the dark-haired man's lips curled into triumphant smirk.
Serenity felt how Luna forcefully grabbed her hand and pulled her away from the window.
"Serenity!" she cried out, her dark eyes filled with panic. "We need to leave!"
Before she could reply, Artemis appeared at the door. His eyes were wild, and his bare chest just as bloodied as the sword he was holding in his hand.
"We are being attacked!" he barked at the two women while running a crimson hand through his silvery mane. "The rebels are attacking the villa!"
"The rebels?!" Serenity exclaimed. "But father said they moved northwards!"
Her eyes then widened in horror.
"Father! Where is he?! We must find him!"
Artemis grabbed Luna and Serenity and pushed them out of the room in the direction of the east wing.
"The Dominus is no longer in his room, I will try and find him as soon as I got you out of here!"
Serenity tried to struggle against Artemis firm grip.
"No! We have to find him NOW!" she cried in desperation.
"Serenity!" Artemis barked sharply, his steel-eyes burning with dark fire. "He asked me to save you – no matter the consequences! I will not break this promise, even if it means his or my life!"
Tears ran down Serenity's flushed face as she continued to shake her head vehemently in protest.
More screams were heard, louder this time and coming from the center of the villa. Serenity was pulled closer against Artemis' warm chest, his large arm firmly around Luna's and her body as he urged them forward. They rounded a corner when a group of three rebels suddenly crossed their way. There was a blonde woman and two men, their bodies covered in scars and blood as they spotted the Doctore and the three women. The blonde woman looked at Artemis, a smirk on her face as she addressed him in a foreign language. Artemis let out a feral growl, his eyes narrowed as he replied in words that Serenity did not understand. He pushed Luna and Serenity behind him, his sword held high as he continued to hiss dangerously. The other woman's expression turned angry, and the group of rebels drew their swords – ready to attack.
"RUN!" was the last thing Serenity heard before she saw how Artemis jumped forward to slice his sharp sword across one of the rebels' chest.
The next minutes were those of pure horror – filled with death and screams and blood as she ran through the villa's corridors. Bodies of rebels and Romans were lying on the cold marble floors, and soldiers and slaves were both fighting the rebels alike. Serenity knew where Luna was pulling her to – a secret stairway in the eastern wing of the villa. Mina and Lita had found them shortly before they reached the staircase. Lita was covered in blood, her emerald eyes sparkling with wild fury as she told how she had managed to kill two rebels with her dagger. She had told them that the rebels wanted to make her join them, threatening to kill her if he didn't. Lita also said that the rebels had freed the gladiators, and that they had killed those who had refused to kill their Dominus and his family.
Serenity's eyes had widened at that – her heart and mind immediately focusing on the dark-haired Thracian. She needed to find him – she needed to see that he was okay.
It was irresponsible, it was madness.
It was self-destructive.
But when they reached the hidden staircase, she watched as Luna, Mina and Lita went through to it. Without wasting another moment, she immediately closed the door behind them and barricaded it. She heard Mina's scream of horror from the other side, and Luna's desperate voice that called out for her. Serenity leant her forehead against the stony wall, glistering tears running down her face.
"I'm sorry." she whispered.
Sounds from the other side of the corridor made her look up, and her heart stopped a beat as she heard foreign voices and saw the shadows of men move on the wall.
She took a deep breath and gathered all her courage.
She needed to find him.
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The catacombs were silent when Serenity reached them – only the torches of the wall gave light to the dark hallways. The young woman heard her heart roar in her ears, her steps softly echoing from the walls. The Fates seemed to favor her that night, for the she had somehow managed to reach the gladiators' cells without being caught or killed by the rebels. Shivers went like waves through her body, causing goosebumps to appear on her soft skin despite the sticky, warm air that was surrounding her. Some of the gladiator's cells had been opened by force, and the corridors were filled with the scent of death and burnt skin when she passed them. Serenity had to cover her mouth and nose sometimes, the beauty unable to stand the penetrating smell that seemed to overwhelm her.
She made her way to the door that would lead her to the training grounds where the Champion's cell would be.
Endymion's cell.
Her fingers trembled as she reached for the handle.
"Going somewhere, princess?" an amused, dark voice sounded pierced the suffocating silence.
With a gasp on her lips, Serenity whirled around only to come face to face with a tall, dark-haired man.
The man was leaning casually against the stony wall some feet away from her. His arms were crossed before his broad chest, and dark shadows were dancing across his muscled body.
Out of instinct, Serenity immediately took a step away from the man, her hand tightening around the pendant around her neck.
The man watched her calmly through glistering dark eyes – the smirk of amusement never leaving his face. Serenity's gaze flickered towards the sword that was dangling around his torso, fresh blood still trickling down onto the stony floor.
"You are one of the rebels." Serenity whispered, her voice shaky and nowhere as brave as she originally wanted it to sound.
A dark chuckle rumbled through the stranger's chest before he answered.
"Yes."
Another wave of silence washed through the room, making Serenity tremble with unease even more. She swallowed hard before she lifted her head, her silver-blue eyes sparkling with defiance.
"You are here to kill me." she said, surprised by the sudden calmness in her voice.
Another dark chuckle was heard and Serenity watched with fright in her eyes how the man pushed away from the wall and made his way slowly towards her. The beauty pressed herself more firmly against the wall as he approached.
"Perhaps." was his answer as he stopped right in front of her.
Serenity swallowed hard as the dim light illuminated his face.
It was the man from earlier, the one from the garden who had stared directly at her.
He eyed her closely, his dark eyes clouding with curiosity as he took her in.
"Hm…" he said as he lifted his bloodied hand to trace her face with one finger. "You are even more beautiful than I remember."
Her breath hitched as his fingers followed the low neckline of her nightdress.
"We haven't met before." Serenity hissed while her eyes narrowed at the man in front of her.
The man grinned at her, his face coming closer. Out of instinct, she turned her head sideways, closing her eyes tightly.
A growl was heard, and Serenity screamed out in pain when the stranger forcefully took ahold of her chin, forcing her to once again face him.
"Haven't we, princess?" he hissed at her while tightening his hold. "Then you should have a better look!"
Serenity slowly opened her glistering eyes. His face was right in front of her as he watched her through hate-filled dark eyes. He was tall, muscular, with brown eyes and brown, short hair. He seemed familiar somehow, but Serenity was sure that she had never met before.
She shook her head in response, her heart stopping as she waited for in his angry response.
But instead, the man suddenly let go of her with a mad laughter on his lips.
"It doesn't surprise me." he laughed. "After all, you only had mercy for one doomed, didn't you?"
Serenity's brows furrowed in confusion, and she was about to ask him about this strange statement when she suddenly felt something sharp against her throat.
The man watched in amusement as the dagger pierced her swanlike neck. It was not enough to hurt her, but surely enough to drain some blood.
"It feels great, doesn't it?" he whispered. "To be like the Gods and to decide over life and death. It's the most powerful thing I have ever experienced."
Serenity whimpered as the man pressed the dagger more firmly against her throat.
"It is so easy." he drawled and brought his face even closer to hers. He let the tip of his nose roam the side of her face while inhaling deeply. "So easy to kill you and spill your Roman blood."
Serenity took in a sharp breath as his other hand took ahold of her waist, holding her in place.
"I did it before, you know." he chuckled darkly. "It is heaven to see the light part from Roman's eyes."
"Then do it!" Serenity hissed through clenched teeth, her eyes alive with fury.
Her reaction seemed to surprise him as he leant a little away from her, his head cocked and his eyes once again filled with curiosity.
His lips then curled in amusement.
"So beautiful…" he sighed. "So brave." He added with a hint of admiration in his voice.
"Get away from her!" a vice suddenly sounded, startling them both.
The man whirled around, and a sigh of relief escaped Serenity's lips when she spotted Endymion at the other side of the room.
His hair was tousled and his body covered in blood. But he seemed to be unharmed.
His eyes were dark and filled with dark promises as he glared at the other man with his sword held high.
The other man let out a triumphant chuckle and took a step away from Serenity.
"Ah… The Champion of Capua finally graces us with his presence." he sighed mockingly. "Quite a career, I would say."
He took a step closer towards the Thracian, and Serenity noticed how the fury on Endymion's face vanished from his face only to be replaced by utter confusion.
"You" he breathed, shaking his head. "But how …"
He glanced at the scar on his shoulder. He knew the man. He had fought with him during the executions. He had seen him fall at the hands of Malachite.
The other man just waved him off and shrugged his shoulders in nonchalance.
"You had your ways to survive the executions, I had mine."
The Gaul.
He then glanced over his shoulder to look at Serenity.
"What do you want?" Endymion barked with new-found fury, trying to distract the man from the beauty.
The Gaul turned his head to look at him, a smile on his face.
"I want you to join us." he said. "I want you to be part of the rebellion and fight by our side to destroy the Roman race."
Endymion stared at him for some moments of silence.
"You are crazy."
The Gaul let out a barking laughter, shaking his head.
"Am I?" he challenged. "Or am I just man enough to take revenge at those who think they are superior to others?"
Suddenly, he grabbed Serenity's arm, pulling her closer.
Endymion let out a fierce protest, but the Gaul motioned him to stay where he was.
"You only live because she wanted you to." The other man hissed against her skin, his breath hot against her skin. His eyes never left Endymion's.
"You are nothing but a pawn in a Roman game." He continued. "They play with you, but you are never really free."
Serenity whimpered as the grip tightened.
"They live in richness and glory while we have to die in the arena or in the prisons. What right do they have, Endymion? What makes them better than us?"
Endymion swallowed hard as he looked at the scene before him. Serenity had her eyes closed due to the pain, and her small body was trembling from fear and exhaustion.
"Let her go." Endymion growled, ignoring the other man's words completely.
The Gaul raised his brows in confusion.
"Why?" he asked, shaking his head. "She's nothing but a Roman. Beautiful, I give her that." He added with a chuckle.
Endymion heard the blood roar in his ears as he took a determined step forward.
"I said…" he hissed, his eyes burning like black fire. "Let her go!"
The Gaul's eyes narrowed.
"Alan!" a female voice called out from the other side of the hallway.
"We must leave! The Dominus and his men return!"
The Gaul let out an angry snarl, his grip around Serenity's arm tightening for a moment and making her whimper.
"Think of it." he hissed in Endymion's direction.
"I will come back for you." he added. He then turned his head to look at Serenity, his eyes glistering as he stared down at her.
"For both of you." he whispered with a smirk.
Before Serenity knew what was happening, she was forcefully pushed away. She felt how warm arms caught her, pulling her closer.
"Serenity." Endymion whispered into her ear, his voice desperate and relieved at the same time.
The beauty buried her head into the gladiator's chest, the tears falling freely from her face.
Endymion tightened his hold around her and kissed the crown of her hair. His eyes followed the man he had thought long dead, and his heart tightened at the memory of what the Gaul had said.
He would protect her.
Whatever the cost.
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"Tiberius!" Artemis called out to him.
The Dominus coughed and tasted the blood on his lips. He felt Artemis kneeling next to him, and he forced himself to open his eyes.
"Artemis, old friend." he said with a weak smile on his lips. "You are alive."
Artemis chuckled and nodded his head.
"So are you." he responded while checking the other man's injuries.
"It takes more than some rebels to put me down." The old man chuckled, but immediately stopped when a flash of pain pierced his body.
"Come on." Artemis said and brought both of his arms under the other man's shoulders to help him stand.
"We need to get you somewhere more comfortable."
Tiberius moaned at the pain coming from his left side, but he nodded and let the Doctore help him to his bed nearby.
"It's a deep cut." Artemis said. "But it's nothing you won't survive. I will call for the doctor."
He was about to stand up when Tiberius put a hand on his to stop him.
"Serenity?"
Artemis offered him a reassuring smile.
"She is fine." he said. "Luna and she went to the hidden staircase. She's is fine."
Tiberius let out a sigh of relief and nodded.
"Diamond and his men arrived just in time." Artemis continued. "They were able to put the rebels to flight."
Tiberius' brows furrowed in confusion.
"They returned early." he half stated, half asked.
Artemis let out a long sigh and nodded.
"The carriage was attacked when Diamond was on his way here." he told him. "They wanted to kill him, but he and his men fought well. The rebels had no chance and fled. Diamond immediately made his way back to the villa to help us."
"What are you not telling me, Artemis?" Tiberius asked with concern in voice and eyes.
"The Thracian girl…" he continued after a while. "The rebels took her. She is lost to us and Endymion."
Tiberius closed his eyes, shaking his head. His mind went to the Thracian gladiator. He had promised him to rescue his sister. A promise he had now broken.
"Go and find Serenity for me, Artemis." he said with a tired voice. "I need to see that she is alright."
Artemis nodded his understanding. He patted Tiberius' shoulder one last time before he left the room.
Silence filled the room and Tiberius tried not to concentrate too much on the stinging pain that shot through his body. He had survived worse.
A movement from the shadows suddenly caught his attention. He furrowed his brows and moved his body a little to get a better look.
"Who is it?" he barked with all the authority that was left in his body. "Show yourself!"
It took some moments before a young man appeared from the shadows.
The strain left Tiberius' face and his expression relaxed.
"Ah…" he said. "You gave me quite a fright, boy. I am glad to see you well and unharmed."
The young man came wordlessly closer, only stopping when he was standing right next to Tiberius' bed.
Tiberius stared up at the emotionless expression on the man's face.
"Tell me…" he then said. "Where is Diamond?"
Saphir's eyes turned darker, and his lips pressed firmly together.
"Why?" he asked sharply, causing Tiberius' brows to rise. "So that you can take everything away from him?"
Tiberius sat up a little, his face a world of confusion.
"What are you talking about?"
"Oh I think you know." Saphir said darkly. "I always admired you, Dominus. Believe me, I still do."
He shook his head, his dark eyes turning sad.
"But I won't let you destroy him. You say that you love him, but every fateful decision that you make destroys him more and more."
There was pity and sadness in his eyes, but also determination. It made Tiberius' body shudder.
"Forgive me."
Before Tiberius could reply, Saphir's hands circled around the old man's neck, squeezing tightly. Tiberius stared up at him with wide open eyes. He fought with all of the energy that was still inside his body, but it was no use.
His vision went blurry as the air and live left his body.
The last thing he saw was a small girl and a small boy with silver hair, smiling brightly back at him.
A girl – a loving, beautiful creature full of light who he had been lucky enough to call daughter.
And a boy – a fierce and determined brave young man who he had been lucky enough to call son.
.
.
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A/N
Hey guys
sorry for taking so long to update. Had so many things going on - I promise to be better in 2017 ;-)
Happy New Year and I hope you still enjoy the story!
J