Night had finally settled over Rome, wrapping the ancient city in a soft, velvety darkness. The torches along the distant walls flickered like restless fireflies, casting long shadows that stretched toward Nathan and the small group gathered outside the city limits. The cool breeze carried the scent of olive trees and faint traces of smoke from the evening fires within the city.
Nathan stood there quietly, reflecting on the conversation he'd had earlier with Spartacus. He hadn't been certain at first—Spartacus was loud, proud, and carried himself with the kind of fiery ego that usually clashed with Nathan's calm perspective and ego which was much bigger and he wasn't patient either. Yet the moment Nathan had seen him fight, everything changed. Spartacus fought like a man possessed: raw strength, deep conviction, and an unmistakable hunger for freedom.
