The night was heavy with the scent of rain, the skies thick with dark clouds that threatened to unleash a storm upon the city. Rome’s streets were quieter than usual, the tension in the air palpable as if the city itself held its breath, waiting for something to break.

  Lucius stood at the edge of his villa’s balcony, overlooking the cityscape. His mind was restless. The news of the Black Talon’s involvement in his enemies’ schemes had unsettled him. Aulus had confirmed his worst fears—this wasn’t just politics anymore. This was survival.

  A quiet knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts. When he turned, Cassia stood in the dimly lit chamber, her silhouette outlined by the flickering torches in the corridor behind her.

  “You sent for me,” she said, stepping inside without hesitation.

  Lucius nodded, gesturing for her to come closer. “There’s no time for hesitation. We have to act.”

  Cassia studied him for a moment before approaching, her eyes sharp and calculating. “Tell me everything.”

  He relayed the information about the Black Talon, the impending assassination attempt, and the Senate’s growing hostility toward him. Cassia listened without interruption, her expression unreadable.

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  When he finished, she exhaled. “Then you need allies. Real ones. Ones who won’t hesitate to kill for you when the time comes.”

  Lucius smirked. “And where do I find such allies?”

  Cassia leaned in, her voice low. “Some are already closer than you think.”

  For a moment, there was silence between them, thick with an unspoken understanding. Then Cassia stepped back, her posture shifting. “Come with me,” she said.

  Lucius frowned but followed her through the dimly lit corridors of his villa, down a narrow passage that led to a concealed doorway. When she pushed it open, he found himself in a candle-lit chamber—one he hadn’t even known existed within his own home.

  Inside, a hooded figure sat at a wooden table, arms folded. When the figure lifted their head, Nyx’s piercing gaze met his.

  Lucius’ eyes narrowed. “You.”

  Nyx smirked. “Surprised?”

  Cassia crossed her arms. “She’s been watching over you longer than you realize. The moment you decided to stand against the Senate, the moment you defied Rome’s expectations, she took interest.”

  Lucius let out a slow breath. “And what do you want, Nyx?”

  Nyx stood, stepping closer. “To see what you’re truly capable of.”

  The weight of their words settled between them, unspoken promises lingering in the air. Lucius knew that his battle for Rome was only beginning—and that the people around him would determine whether he stood victorious or fell beneath the weight of his ambitions.