Chapter 21
Chapter 21
Issa and Leandros face Gaius Valerius in the villa's sitting room, where a tense exchange reveals the senator's desperation. After he leaves, they read Issa's mother's letter together, learning the name of her killer. The chapter ends with a quiet moment of resolve and a knock at the door.
The sitting room was small and dim, lit by a single oil lamp on a low table. Gaius Valerius stood by the window, his toga draped heavily over his shoulders, his face half in shadow. He did not move when they entered, did not turn to greet them. His gaze was fixed on the darkening street beyond the glass.
Issa's hand went to the box hidden in her stola. The wood was warm against her ribs, a secret she would protect with her life.
Leandros stepped forward, placing himself slightly between her and the senator. "You are not welcome here."
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