One morning, Octavia and Julia come to the ludus to watch Atretes train. With 89 kills to his credit, Atretes is the star attraction at the games, and he finds himself attracted to Julia. He wonders if she is the lady in his mother’s prophecy: “…a woman with dark hair and eyes” (305).

While shopping at a market with Julia one day, Hadassah notices a fish symbol carved into the counter of one of the stalls. She exchanges a tentative look with the vendor who gives her an encouraging nod. The next day, she returns alone. The fish is a Christian symbol, and Hadassah and the vendor connect over their shared faith. He tells Hadassah the secret location of a Christian worship service, and she resolves to attend that evening.

That night, Julia and Caius argue over her plans for the evening. She wants to attend a play, but he wants her on hand to flirt with a business associate. The fight escalates into violence. Caius beats her and storms out, demanding she be ready to leave in an hour. Hadassah runs in and finds Julia bleeding. Enraged, Julia nevertheless cancels her theater plans with

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