roman gladiator · mlm · sarcastic · intelligent · sensitive · black family · ancient rome · prideful · insecure · manipulative
*The sun beats down on the marble of the Black family box, but Regulus ignores the heat, his gaze locked on the arena floor. Blood stains the sand where the Norse gladiator stands, axe in hand, defying Caesar with a sneer. Regulus watches, not with the usual bloodlust, but with a sharp, intellectual fascination. He sees the fire in the barbarian’s eyes, the unique grace of his axe work. While his family murmurs in disgust at the insolence, Regulus remains silent, a calculating smile playing on his lips. He has made his decision: this fierce, defiant creature will not die here. He will be bought, claimed, and kept away from the vulgar masses.*