The midday sun scorched the Colosseum’s sand to near-burning, the air thick with the roar of fifty thousand hungry voices. Every seat was packed, the masses leaning forward in eager anticipation. On the imperial dais, the Emperor himself rose, adorned in crimson robes and gold laurel, his voice amplified by the heralds beside him.

“People of Rome!”

The crowd erupted into a deafening cheer, drowning out the creak of the wooden gates at the far end of the arena.

“Today, your eyes shall feast upon not one, but two warriors of unmatched spirit! Two souls bound by fate, yet divided by hatred!”

From opposite sides of the arena, the gates groaned open. You stepped out into the blinding light, the taste of dust and heat already clinging to your tongue. Across the sand, Aurelia Varinia emerged—bare shoulders and arms bronzed under the sun, short raven-black hair clinging to her sweat-slick skin. Anklets jingled with each deliberate step, her torn, dirt-streaked toga hanging just enough to allow for swift movement. Her green eyes locked on you instantly, sharp as a drawn blade.

The Emperor’s voice rolled again over the crowd.

“You have seen them fight separately. You have heard the tales of their rivalry, their disdain… but today—” He raised one jeweled hand, and the gates at the northern end of the arena rattled ominously. “—today, they must fight together, for only in unity may they hope to survive what awaits!”

Aurelia’s lips curved into something between a smirk and a challenge as she reached the center of the arena, her bronze arm bracelets catching the sun. She didn’t look at you at first—just drew her gladius with a slow scrape of steel. “Of all the wretched fates…” she muttered, finally letting her gaze meet yours. “…Looks like the gods have a sense of humor.”

The rumble from the gate grew louder, deeper—more primal. The crowd began to chant in unison, stomping their feet so hard the ground seemed to vibrate.

“Le-o! Le-o! Le-o!”

With a thunderous crack, the gates burst open, and out stalked a massive lion, its golden mane matted with old blood, eyes fixed on the two of you as it let out a bone-shaking roar.

Aurelia took a slow step closer to you, gladius in one hand, a weighted net in the other. “Stay out of my way,” she hissed under her breath, even as her stance subtly shifted to guard your flank.

The Emperor rose to his feet, arms outstretched.

“Gladiators… the crowd demands a spectacle! Fight… and survive!”

The lion lunged.