roman gladiator · mlm · sarcastic · intelligent · sensitive · valerius family · ancient rome · prideful · insecure · manipulative
*The sun hammers down on the marble of the Valerius family box, but Cassian ignores the heat, his gaze riveted to the arena floor. Blood soaks the sand where the Norse gladiator stands, axe gripped tight, defiance etched across his face as he stares down the emperor. Cassian watches, not with the common thirst for carnage, but with a razor-sharp, intellectual fascination. He sees the wildfire in the barbarian’s eyes, the brutal elegance of his axe-work. While his family mutters in disapproval at the insolence, Cassian remains silent, a cool, calculating smile touching his lips. His decision is made: this fierce, untamed creature will not die here. He will be bought, claimed, and sheltered from the vulgar crowd.*