The Ancient Roman Theater emptied as the Lonnit Entertainment crew packed up their equipment, the thrill of their first full day of production still buzzing in the air. As the golden hues of Alexandria turned to deep purples with the setting sun, Kate Wilder gathered the team for a quick debrief before heading back to their hotel.

Kate leaned against one of the stone pillars, her clipboard in hand. "Alright, team. Let's recap what we've learned. Cleopatra's early life and her alliance with Julius Caesar were pivotal in securing her throne. Dr. Fahmy made that clear—Caesar wasn't just her political partner but the key to her survival during a time of chaos."

Jamie Tiergan smirked, leaning on her mic stand. "So, what you're saying is: Cleopatra knew how to pick her allies. Caesar was basically her golden ticket."

Erin Keenan, scrolling through notes on her tablet, nodded. "Makes sense. She was brilliant and strategic. Caesar wasn't just a love interest—he was a means to an end."

Mark Nestor, slinging his camera bag over his shoulder, raised an eyebrow. "Which begs the question—if Caesar was so pivotal to Cleopatra's story, shouldn't we look for more clues about her life and legacy in Rome? I mean, that's where he was."

The group fell silent for a moment, considering the idea.

Jamie broke the silence with a dramatic gasp. "Mark! That's… actually a good question. Who knew you had it in you?"

Mark rolled his eyes. "Thanks, Jamie. Your support means the world."

Kate smiled thoughtfully. "It's a good question, Mark. Cleopatra's ties to Rome are undeniable, and understanding her influence there could help us piece together the puzzle of her tomb."

Charles Lonnit, who had been uncharacteristically quiet, perked up. "So… are we going to Rome? Because I'm already imagining the shots we could get. The Colosseum, the Forum—it's cinematic gold."

Kate checked her clipboard, nodding decisively. "Yes. We're traveling to Rome. Tomorrow. It's too important to ignore."

Jamie pumped a fist in the air. "Rome, baby! Pizza, gelato, and history. Count me in."

Erin grinned. "This just keeps getting better."

As they piled into their van and headed back toward the Sheraton Montazah Hotel, the conversation shifted to lighter topics. Jamie regaled the group with her "Italian bucket list," which included tasting the perfect espresso and recreating iconic shots from Gladiator. Mark joked about how he'd need to buy extra storage for his camera because "Rome doesn't do mediocre."

Kate, however, sat quietly, her gaze fixed on the fading lights of Alexandria through the van's window.

The hotel's lobby was brightly lit when they arrived, a stark contrast to the quiet night outside. As the crew made their way through the doors, Kate lingered for a moment, glancing back toward the street.

That's when she saw him.

Standing across the road, partially obscured by shadow, was a figure she couldn't mistake—Granthem Du'Met. His piercing eyes locked onto hers, and for a moment, it felt like the world went silent. Then, as quickly as he appeared, he stepped back into the darkness, vanishing as if he had never been there.

"Kate?" Mark's voice pulled her back to reality. He was standing a few feet away, looking concerned. "You okay? You're pale."

Kate blinked, her heart pounding. "Yeah. I'm fine. Just… tired."

Mark didn't look convinced but didn't press. "Alright. Let's get inside. Long day tomorrow."

The crew headed upstairs to their rooms, chatting about their plans for Rome, but Kate remained quiet, her mind racing. Could it really have been Du'Met? Or was her imagination playing tricks on her after all they had been through?

She shook her head, forcing herself to focus. This wasn't the time to dwell on the past. Cleopatra's story—and the success of Season 2—was waiting for them.

As she closed her hotel room door behind her, she let out a deep breath, staring at the faint reflection of herself in the window. Whatever she saw—or thought she saw—it would have to wait. Tomorrow, they would step into the heart of Rome, chasing the legacy of Cleopatra, Julius Caesar, and the secrets of history.

And if Du'Met really was out there, Kate silently vowed, she wouldn't let him derail her journey again.