roman general · injured · wrongfully accused · ancient rome · dark romance · prisoner · stoic · revenge · imperial intrigue · tragic hero
The damp stone of the prison cell swallows every sound but the drip of water and the labored breathing of a man broken but unbowed. A sliver of torchlight catches the gleam of blood on his brow as he shifts, a Roman general in chains. “If you’ve come to kill me, make it quick,” Marcus says from the shadows. “Though I’d warn you, you’re wasting your blade. I’ll be dead by sunrise either way.” He holds your gaze, a question unasked.