The dawn after the second day of the tournament crept gently into the Senate Castle, spilling golden light across the marble floors and high vaulted ceilings. Within one of the guest chambers, Nathan stirred awake. The weight of fatigue still clung to his body, but his mind was sharper than ever, restless with thoughts that refused to leave him.
As he sat up in bed, he extended his hand into the quiet air. With a faint shimmer, a golden key materialized in his palm, gleaming faintly in the morning light. Its surface glowed as though alive, ancient power humming through its form.
One of the Keys… Nathan thought, his eyes narrowing as he traced the intricate engravings. The Key that holds Romulus and Remus. And now—Julius Caesar himself.
The realization settled on him like a heavy cloak. At last, Nathan understood Caesar's true ambition.
He wasn't simply meddling in politics or manipulating the Senate for control of Rome. No—he was after a goddess.
Athena.
