GLADIATOR CURSE - Lucius Verus
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.
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