Page 18 of Thawed Gladiator: Lucius
Raven sets down her fork, meeting Varro’s gaze directly. “I don’t know yet,” she admits with surprising honesty. “Initially, I wanted an interview. Expert perspective for my audience. But now…” Her gaze flicks briefly to mine. “Now I’m more interested in finding understanding for myself than sharing with others.”
That answer sits well with them. And with me. The tension ebbs as conversation resumes, the meal continuing with renewed ease.
Flavius launches into an animated tale about his first encounter with a microwave, complete with theatrical gestures that have even the stoic Quintus fighting a smile.
“The door closes, and this—thisplatestarts spinning! And the food begins to smoke. I was convinced it was possessed by some minor demon,” Flavius explains, his eyes wide with exaggerated horror.
“You tried to exorcise it with olive oil,” Thrax adds dryly. “The resulting fire nearly burned down the kitchen.”
Laughter ripples around the table. Even Raven joins in, her carefully constructed style momentarily forgotten as she enjoys the camaraderie.
As we finish the meal, I notice Raven’s phone buzz against the table. She glances at the screen, and something shifts in her expression—excitement mixed with surprise that she tries to mask but fails to hide completely. Her fingers tap restlessly against her thigh, and I can see her fighting the urge to check the device again.
“I should head back to the motel,” she says finally, rising with barely contained energy. “There’s something I need to handle.”
Her sudden urgency gives me pause, though I recognize the tight control behind it—the same kind I rely on when old instincts riseat the wrong moment. “Of course,” I say, watching her closely. “Is everything all right?”
“I think so,” she answers, though uncertainty flickers in her eyes. “I’ll know more tomorrow. Can I come back then?”
“Yes.” I rise as well, walking her to the compound’s entrance. “Until tomorrow, then.”
I watch her car disappear into the trees. The laughter and warmth of the dining hall already feel distant. Something is shifting in her, and I don’t know yet if it’s a good omen or a warning.
Chapter Eight
Raven
The notification glowing on my phone screen makes my heart skip a beat. David Norris—Executive Producer, Horizon Streaming. The name alone is enough to make my hands tremble slightly as I slip the device back into my pocket without reading the full message.
Not here. Not surrounded by curious gladiators and sanctuary staff who might ask questions I’m not ready to answer.
The drive back to the Ironwood Motel feels endless, my mind spinning with possibilities. David Norris doesn’t contact small-time podcasters unless something significant has caught his attention. But what? How could he even know I exist, let alone that I’m working on something worth his notice?
I force myself to drive carefully despite the adrenaline coursing through my veins. The last thing I need is to crash my car because I’m too excited to focus on the road.
Back in my motel room, I close the door and lean against it, phone clutched in my hand like a talisman. The faded bedspread and cheap furniture suddenly feel like witnesses to a potentially life-changing moment.
“Okay, Raven,” I whisper to myself. “Whatever this is, stay professional.”
I sit at the small Formica-topped table, open my laptop with trembling fingers, and read the email.
Dear Ms. Vaughn,
We’re excited to offer you the opportunity to expandBeyond the Veilinto a documentary series. Your unique approach to death traditions perfectly aligns with our vision for premium paranormal content.
What particularly caught our attention were your recent explorations near Potosi, Missouri—an area with a rich paranormal history that also happens to be near the sanctuary housing the recovered gladiators. Your perspective as someone with a personal near-death experience, combined with potential access to individuals with unique historical connections to ancient death rituals, presents a documentary opportunity unlike anything currently in development.
We’re prepared to offer substantial resources for this project, including full production support, a marketing budget, and competitive compensation that would represent a significant career advancement. Our timeline is ambitious—we’d like to begin development immediately if you’re interested.
Please contact me at your earliest convenience to discuss details. This opportunity is time-sensitive, as we’re currently finalizing our upcoming content slate.
Best regards, David Norris, Senior Content Development, Horizon Streaming
I read it twice, then a third time, my excitement building with each pass. This is it. The breakthrough I’ve been working toward for five years. Real budget, real platform, real recognition for what I’ve been trying to accomplish withBeyond the Veil.
But something nags at me. How could he possibly know about my connection to the sanctuary? I’ve been careful not to post anything about meeting Lucius or visiting Second Chance. My last few episodes were recorded before I even came to Missouri.
I grab my phone and dial Megan’s number, pacing across the small room as it rings.
