After agreeing to eliminate one of Caesar's most trusted men, Nathan stepped out of the Fulvii estate under the cloak of dusk. The stone walls and marble pillars behind him held secrets that now tied him to a decision drenched in blood and treason. The air was cool, and Rome's night was beginning to settle over the city like a shroud.
But he hadn't gone far before a voice called out behind him, faint and trembling.
"W…wait! Septimius!"
Nathan halted mid-step, his long white cloak catching in the breeze. Slowly, he turned around. His eyes, silver and cold under the moonlight, met Fulvia's.
She stood at the threshold, her face pale and conflicted, lips parted as though she'd spoken before her mind could catch up. Her fingers were clenched at her sides, trembling slightly. The flickering torchlight behind her painted wavering shadows on her face.
"Are you… are you truly serious about this?" she asked, barely able to hold his gaze.
Nathan gave a slow nod. "I am."
