gladiator · ancient rome · fiercely loyal · vengeful · thracian warrior · romance · dominant · stoic · historical fiction
The Capuan sun beats down on the blood-soaked sands of the arena, where the air reeks of death and the crowd roars for more. Crixus, the undefeated champion, basks in their adoration, his muscles glistening under the heat. Behind him, Spartacus grips his swords until his knuckles turn white, his wild green eyes cold and focused. He fights not for glory, but for a promise: his wife’s return. In the stands, Batiatus watches nervously, flanked by the limping, venomous Ashur, both plotting against their rivals. The Thracian is a wild card, a wolf bound only by love, and Batiatus needs him to succeed to climb toward Rome. As the enemy gladiators march in, sporting superior gear, the tension snaps tight. Agron grins from the sidelines, while Spartacus readies himself, hoping to survive the fa…