Gladiator of Rome (#1 in Gladiator Series)

Chapter 26

Chapter 26

An icy frost descended upon them that night covering everything in a thin layer of white crystal and many believed that it was because the gods were sad over Titus's death and angry that his assassin remained free. But Titus's death was not the only news that circulated through Ludus Magnus as Myra had heard stories of gladiators surrendering in the arena but when she tried to find out why no one would tell her. The gladiators were keeping tight lipped though she could guess why. 

It had been only a day since the Emperor was assassinated, but Myra could tell that the gladiators were starting to doubt Krista's innocence.

Many had not known Krista personally but no one needed to be close to her to see the anger that simmered in her eyes.

But Myra would not let herself believe it.

After all, Krista did not strike Myra as the reckless type to throw her life away, not when she saved Myra in the baths.

Keeping her head down, Myra hurried past the guards, their domineering nature scaring her, as she gripped the vase tight against her chest.

Watching the guards as she turned the corner, Myra collided with something in the shadows.

Letting out a small yelp, a hand coiled around her wrist and before Myra knew what was happening she was being pulled along.

Tripping over cracked stone, Myra's arm tightened around the vase as she found herself pressed into a corner.

"Quiet," The stranger hissed as their gaze was set on something in the distance, as if expecting someone to approach.

Myra's heart pounded in her chest as the stranger turned and light from the moon was cast upon them.

She saw the dagger first, clenched in their fist, before she looked up at their face.

"Krista?" Myra gasped in shock, relief spreading across her body as she saw that Krista was alive.

"Myra?" Krista narrowed her eyes, as if seeing her for the first time, "What are you doing? I could have killed you."

Krista glanced quickly over her shoulder, keeping an eye on their surroundings, as she kept the dagger gripped in her palm.

"I could ask you the same question," Myra straightened her back, "The Empress has the entire army out looking for you."

"Not the entire army," Krista sighed at Myra's exaggeration before she turned back to face the young slave, "You need to leave."

"No, wait," Myra grabbed Krista's arm, preventing her from leaving, "Why are you here? Maybe I can help."

"You can't help," Krista pried Myra's frail fingers from her arm, "Go to bed and forget that you ever saw me."

"But-" Myra protested.

"-No, Myra," Krista snapped, the sound of her voice stating that she was not in the mood to debate the decision, whilst her eyes bore into Myra's like fire.

For a second, Myra feared that Krista no longer saw her as a person, but rather as an obstacle that was in her way and needed to be removed.

The dagger in Krista's hand shone in the moonlight, catching Myra's gaze.

"Stay here," Krista pleaded with Myra before she left and hurried down the arcade, slipping under an archway that only led to one place.

Myra momentarily considered running after her, but the thought of creeping up on Krista sent a chill down her spine.