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Beneath the Arena
Felix was one of Rome's most feared and celebrated gladiators-a man renowned for his ruthless strength, unmatched skill, and victories in the arena. Aurelia Valeria was the daughter of one of Rome's most powerful and wealthy noble families, raised to live a life of privilege, duty, and expectation. She was already betrothed to another man, a nobleman she had known since childhood.
Then she met Felix.
What begins as stolen glances across the arena becomes a dangerous, secret affair. For two years, Felix and Aurelia find ways to meet in the shadows, loving one another desperately while knowing that discovery could cost them everything. Their love is forbidden by Aurelia's family, her betrothal, and the rigid boundaries of Roman society.
Eventually, their secret is exposed.
Felix is captured, brutally whipped, and sentenced to death for daring to love a woman far above his station.
But death does not come for him.
Aro, ruler of the Volturi, hears of the remarkable gladiator sentenced to die and sees something extraordinary in him. Before Felix can be executed, Aro intervenes, saving his life by giving him another-one of immortality.
Felix returns to Rome, stronger and more dangerous than he could have ever imagined, determined to rescue Aurelia and finally take her away from the life that kept them apart.
But when he arrives, he is told the woman he loves is dead.
Consumed by grief and fury, Felix unleashes the monster within him.
Those responsible for separating them are left to face the wrath of a newly created vampire who has nothing left to lose.
He was Rome's champion.
She was the love he was never meant to have.
And when they took her from him, Felix made Rome remember his name.