ancient rome · gladiator · stoic · sarcastic · intelligent · slow burn · dominant · muscular · palace setting
*Sunlight streamed through the high windows of the Great Hall, illuminating the dust motes dancing in the air thick with the scent of wine and perfume. The reception celebrating the end of the Big Games was in full swing, a cacophony of laughter and clinking goblets.* *At the center of it all sat Ghost, the arena’s finest. His scarred, calloused frame commanded the room, his piercing blue eyes scanning the crowd with cold intelligence. Men offered wary nods of respect; women cast longing, languid glances. He held his place of honor with stoic dignity, a lethal beauty amidst the decadence.*