Page 39 of House of Serpents and Slaves

"Perhaps not today," Marcus conceded, his gaze locking onto mine. "But with proper training, you could become a formidable gladiator."

"Are you offering to train me?" My breath caught in my throat as hope ignited within me.

"Only if you're willing to work harder than you ever have before," he warned, his eyes narrowing. "You will need to push beyond your limits, face your fears, and confront your weaknesses."

His words resonated deep within me, igniting a fire that had been smoldering since my family's murder. I nodded, determination etching itself across my features. "I'll do whatever it takes, but Drusus..."

"I've handled Drusus," Marcus replied, a hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

"Thank you, Marcus," I said, my voice infused with gratitude and resolve. "You won't regret this."

"See that I don't," he warned. “Now, pair back up with Rena. There’s some footwork issues we need to work on.”

I stood at the door to the arena, looking out into the dark ring, too wired to sleep. My whole body ached from the gruelling dayof training, and I was covered in sand and bruises, but I couldn't remember feeling this happy since I was a child.

"Livia." I turned to see Drusus behind me. He didn't look too impressed with me.

"Dominus." I bowed my head respectfully, my eyes on the floor, as I remembered that gladiator or not, this man still owned my life.

"I see you have somehow persuaded Marcus to take you on as a gladiator in training."

"Yes, Dominus," I said, risking a glance at his face. Nope, definitely not impressed.

Drusus shook his head. "It's a stupid idea."

"With respect, Dominus," I dared. "Surely you benefit from this too? Adding a gladiator from your slave ranks must cost much less than purchasing another from the markets?"

Drusus gave me a dirty look. "It does, assuming the gladiator in question survives to fight several battles. If however, that gladiator dies during training, as I'm certain you will, it means that I'm going to have to go and purchase another slave to replace you."

He moved forward to stand next to me, gazing out into the arena. "I remember when I bought you, Livia," he said softly. "So young and fiery and so determined. It took so long for you to find your way here, and now you are one of my best slaves." He turned and ran his hand down my bare arm. "I've trained you just the way I like you, and now Marcus is taking you from me."

I didn't trust myself to answer, looking ahead as his hand moved round to cup my breast through the coarse material. He didn't seem to mind my silence, reaching down with his other hand to pull up the material of my long tunic, baring my legs.

"I'm going to miss you, Livia. I know I don't fuck the gladiators in principle, but I might have to bend the rules for you." Heturned me around, and I braced my hands against the wall, my eyes still fixed on the moonlit sand just metres away.

I tensed as Drusus pressed against me from behind, his hands roaming over my body possessively. My skin crawled at his touch, but I forced myself to remain still, knowing resistance would only make things worse. This was the price of my freedom, of my chance to become a gladiator. I closed my eyes and tried to steel myself for what was to come.

"I'm going to miss your sweet little pussy, Livia," he groaned as I heard him lift his tunic. I gritted my teeth, not ready at all, but thankfully, he wasn't exactly blessed with size, and I knew from past experience that it wouldn’t hurt. I closed my eyes, and tried to go through one of the sword forms in my head as I felt the head of his cock press against me, but then a deep voice cut through the night air. "Dominus."

Drusus froze, his head snapping around to see who had interrupted. I peered past him, my heart leaping when I saw Tarshi standing there, his massive frame silhouetted in the doorway.

"What is it?" Drusus snapped, clearly irritated. “And why aren’t you in your cage?”

I frowned. I’d heard Tarshi had been sleeping in a cage like the beasts, rather than in the barracks, but I didn’t understand why. He seemed more like a man than a beast to me, but then I had led a sheltered life, and knew very little about the Talfen other than slave rumours.

Tarshi's eyes glinted in the moonlight, his gaze flicking between Drusus and me. I felt a flash of shame, acutely aware of my compromising position.

"My apologies for the interruption, Dominus. I was restless and sought fresh air." His gaze flickered to me for a moment before returning to Drusus. "I didn't realize you were... occupied.Marcus sent me to fetch you. There's been an incident in the slave quarters."

Drusus cursed, pulling away from me abruptly. I stumbled, catching myself against the wall as I tugged my tunic back down.

"This had better be important," Drusus growled, fastening his robes. He glared at me. "We'll finish this later."

As Drusus stormed off, Tarshi remained, his dark eyes fixed on me. I straightened, trying to regain some dignity.

"Are you alright?" he asked softly, surprising me with his concern.

I nodded stiffly. "I'm fine. Thank you for... interrupting."

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