I had planned to wake up late this morning, but before dawn even broke, my sleep did. I sprawled on my bed for a while, listening to the same bird sing. Over and over again.

  Bolting upright, I leaned out the window. "Shhhh!" I hissed angrily. “Shut up!”

  Silence answered and I exhaled in relief.

  “Oh, thank the gods.”

  But it only lasted a moment. Grumbling, I got out of bed and readied myself for the day. It was so early that I doubted even if my father was awake. There was a chill in the air so I grabbed a woolen cloak, fastened it over one shoulder, and headed out.

  Although the colors hadn't arrived yet, the inky black was leaching from the sky. I walked through the dark, empty streets and looked up. The stars were still visible, though. Maybe the gods were looking back at me right now from up there. They'd definitely be wasting their time. But maybe.

  Suddenly, I felt self conscious and quickened my pace.

  I stopped at the thermopolium near the ludus for some calda. The shopkeeper yawned, pouring me some, and then returned to their nap on the floor. I found my seat again by the entrance. The aroma of wine and spices, mixed with heated water, was comforting. Very few people passed by as I held the warm ceramic cup in my hand.

  At one point, a black and white cat padded by, pausing to wind between my legs. I dangled my hand. A wet nose investigated before it brushed against my fingertips. I could feel the cat vibrating as it purred. Jumping up onto the table it began licking its only to stop, staring at me. We blinked at each other for several heartbeats before it curled up.

  A red tinge warmed the sky, announcing the arrival of sunrise. I felt my eyelids droop slightly and I nearly didn't notice the footsteps beside me. With a start, I looked up to Quintus. The man glanced at the open chair beside me and I nodded. He sat comfortably, arms crossed and one ankle resting across the opposite knee.

  The cat opened one lazy eye, gleaming yellow in the low light, before it drifted shut again.

  "Salve."

  I smiled. "Hi, Quintus."

  My voice was soft as it didn't feel right to interrupt the quiet air. After a moment, I got up to order a second serving and set it down before him.

  “Don't say you didn't ask for it,” I warned before he could open his mouth.

  Quintus looked at it before picking up the mug wordlessly. I studied his profile, taking in the sharp cheekbones and narrow, dark eyes. The markings across his skin only added to his mysterious air.

  "I heard the omens weren't promising. But you ended up winning."

  His hand lowered gently to rest on the cat, earning a faint sound.

  "All I knew was that pain would come from behind. So I created a situation where it would happen. But not to me."

  “Oh.” I wasn't sure how to respond, caught off guard. That was what he'd meant at the feast, about making it work to his advantage.

  Quintus lifted his eyes to meet mine, shadowed and impossible to read. "Do you think differently of me now, Maximilia? As one of your heroes in the arena?"

  I gazed back steadily. "No."

  Surprise flickered across his face and he inclined his head back slightly.

  I took a sip of the warmed wine. "I've learned a lot, being raised by Felix. We can put whatever bright paint, fancy words, or righteous expectations we want on these games. But all that matter, Quintus? All that matters is your next heartbeat. That's what he said to me, and that's what I believe. Anything else might have meant my father wouldn't have come home one day. And anything else might've meant you wouldn't be sitting here with me, and I really like this moment."

  He didn't answer right away, only stroking the cat's fur. "It's why I avoid making friends, and never fight together with the few I do have."

  "And would you think of them differently if they were like you?"

  Quintus exhaled slowly. "They're all far better people than me."

  “That doesn't answer my question.”

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  “No.” He finally cracked a smile.

  I twisted to face him fully. "I've been curious. Why did you become a gladiator?"

  "Because it's what I deserved," he replied simply.

  I sat back, deciding not to pry. Above, the red sky washed into pink and orange. I changed the subject. "What would've happened if you refused to kill him?"

  "It's hard to tell. I've never seen it myself. But gladiators have lost the winnings or their entire wealth." He paused. "It's not quite the same, but Ursus once refused to participate in any beast fights. The ludus kicked him out and he joined Invictus."

  “Huh. I didn't know that. Bet they're regretting that now.”

  He made a noncommittal sound.

  I thought back to the fight again. "So every single movement was calculated." I shook my head. My fingers scratched the cat's head. "If anything, I have even more respect from you, Quintus."

  He swallowed and looked away. Gold traced the clouds from the sunrise and his profile.

  I finished my drink and stood, my hand patting his shoulder. "You fought really well yesterday."

  I walked away to open the smoothie bar, but he didn't move, only sipping on the calda. My mind kept mulling over the conversation the entire morning. It had seemed like he had been studying me the entire time. Testing me, even. As if he were looking for...something. What that could be, I really had no idea.

  It proved to be another busy day, just like after Sol Ludos. Lots of people wanted to catch a glimpse of the gladiators who fought, particularly Quintus. The women—and occasional man—were desperate to see him.

  More than one gladiator came in, grumbling in jealousy about the attention.

  "Maybe I should switch styles," one grumbled.

  "Right? I could get a girl. Maybe even find a wife."

  I raised my eyebrows skeptically.

  "What? Why are you making that face?" the second one asked.

  "Well," I began hesitantly. "Do you really want to be with someone who only likes the idea of you rather than you yourself?"

  He blinked in confusion. "Isn't that the same thing?"

  His friend groaned. "Gods, you're dumb. You'd probably end up being taken advantage of. But, damn it'd probably be worth it." The last part came out as a mumble.

  "Just be careful," I signed, turning to make their smoothies as they continued to commiserate. "What about any gladiactrices?" I asked when I set down their drinks.

  "Ew, no they're like sisters. Or worse."

  I rolled my eyes. "Okay. Then from the other ludi."

  The second one crossed his arms. "That's...that's actually a good idea. I didn't think about that."

  "Just hope they don't end up dying," the friend said with a grimace.

  "Good luck," I chuckled as they walked off.

  Just like last time, I had a featured smoothie of the day—the Fortuna. But it was the original version. I reserved the pear for Quintus.

  "Maximilia!" Saturnia skipped through the entrance, carrying a tray of honey cakes. "I finally brought some desserts! I can't believe it took me this long," she said, dropping them on the counter, and pouted. “I'm sorry I couldn't watch with you yesterday. It sounds like I missed out on an amazing fight.”

  "I'll forgive you if I can taste test it first," I teased. I took one and broke it in half holding out one piece to her. The flavor hit my tongue and the intensity traveled into my jaw, sending a shiver down my spine. My mouth watered. "Wow, I think these are your best yet."

  "Yeah. I'm really good. But," she exclaimed through the mouthful and swallowed. "I came here to get the story about the games yesterday."

  I slapped my hands on the counter. The sound startled several patrons and I winced. "Sorry."

  She shifted impatiently. "Well?"

  "Sat. I ended asking a bunch of the gladiators of they wanted to watch from the box with me."

  Her jaw dropped open. "And?"

  "And they did."

  She squealed, earning another glance from patrons. "Who was there!"

  I rattled off the names.

  Saturnia groaned, wilting against the counter. "I'm so jealous. That sounds like it was so much fun. And you're on a nickname basis with them!"

  "Oh, get up." I tugged on a strand of her long brown hair. "Don't worry, I'll tell you everything and it'll be like you were there yourself."

  I worked as I recounted the events, taking customer orders and making a sign for the cakes on the wax tablet. "How much should I sell these for?"

  "It depends. I don't know, just make it two sestertii. I want to hear how the fight finishes!"

  "Okay, wait!"

  I took the next customer's order before launching back into it. By the time I finished, Saturnia was chewing on another honey cake dejected. I squeezed her tightly, patting her back comfortingly.

  “I really wish I could've seen him fight.”

  "I'll ask them again next time. I'm sure they'll be happy to meet you. You already met one of them."

  She sighed and shooed her hands to clear the air of her sad mood. Then she. looked around the courtyard at the flowers and cyprus. "It looks really nice, Max. I'm proud of you! But I'm sure you have more plans for this place."

  I paused. "I had a couple ideas, but wanted to wait until I'd really settled in. Maybe after another month. Why? Do you have any?" I sidled back up to her.

  "Why don't you do something regularly? For the gladiators and everyone in general."

  I frowned. "Like a feast?"

  "It doesn't have to be a whole feast. But Felix has more money than he knows what to do with. Because someone is an idiot saying they don't need anything fancy." She flicked my forehead.

  "Ow! Hey, I told you. I'm not using his money for this."

  "Maybe something with music. That should be easy enough." She put her hand on her hip. "It's the perfect space to bring people together. There's a community already here, waiting."

  A thought struck me. "Oh, I do have the perfect idea."