His expression shifted, a storm of emotions flickering across his face. "Cassia... how long have you been planning this?" "Years," she admitted, her voice breaking. "Ever since Lydia passed, it's been harder and harder to stay. I love this village, I love everyone here-you most of all-but it feels like... like I'm suffocating." He stepped closer, his jaw tight. "So, that's it? You're just leaving? For how long?" She looked down, her fingers twisting the hem of her tunic. "I don't know. Maybe I'll come back, but not for a long time. I can't promise anything." Lucius's silence was louder than any words. She could see the hurt in his eyes, the way he clenched his fists as if trying to hold himself together. Finally, he spoke, his voice quieter than she'd ever heard it. "You don't want to leave, Cassia. Not really. You want to escape. There's a difference." "I know that," she snapped, her voice sharper than she intended. "But it doesn't change the fact that I need to go. I need to figure out who I am outside of this place." Lucius turned away, running a hand through his hair. "And what about us? What about everyone here who depends on you?" "I'm not abandoning anyone," she said, stepping closer. "Finn is stronger than he looks. Brutus and the others-this village is their home now, too. They'll protect it. And you... you don't need me, Lucius. You're strong enough without me." He turned back to her, his eyes blazing. "That's not the point, Cassia. It's not about needing you. It's about..." He trailed off, his voice catching. Meant to be - #2 out of 1.65k stories True love - #78 out of 39.9k stories Maximus -#1 out of 279 stories

All hail the Empress-poised, radiant, and caged in gold. In a web of power, desire, and betrayal, Aurelia Attica Antulla must decide whether to play the game or break the chains.

Flora Ectorious. An empress. Yet, beneath the facade, her arranged marriage felt like a dagger to her soul. If the gods were merciful, they would send a savior.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫 takes it all, The loser's standing small. Beside the victory, That's her destiny..... 𝐂𝐚𝐢𝐚 𝐀𝐜𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐮𝐬 grew up within the circle of Roman patricians. She's seen it all, the rises and falls of empires and emperors, iron grips of tyranny and relentless bloodshed, still her name remained engraved on the walls of Palatine palace stronger then the emperors' that came and went. Echoes of her name could be heard from the main Forum, the Colosseum to the provinces of the Roman Empire. With her love, passion and power Caia Acacius made sure that her name never gets forgotten. Caia Acacius is Rome's past, present and future. { fem.Oc X Emperor Caracalla and Lucius Verus Aurelius}