Echoes of Desires

Marcus, a young man of modest means, stood at the gates of the grand villa belonging to the noble Domitia family. His tunic, though clean, bore the marks of a humble

one path, and the distant sound of a fountain's gentle trickle added to the serene atmosphere. Slaves moved swiftly, tending to thei

atues of Roman gods and walls painted with intricate frescoes. A

r presence was commanding, her beauty regal even in her middle age. Dressed in a flowing stol

eplied, bowing his head.

er gaze made Marcus uneasy. "Good," she said. "You'll find th

of youthful elegance. Her hair, dark as night, cascaded over her shoulders, and her emerald-green ey

oice soft but confident,

ne dismissive. "But you have ot

he felt his cheeks flush under her scrutiny. "Welcome," she said simply before

below the horizon, he sat in the library, copying a set of scrolls by lamplight. The silence was brok

e Livia standing in the doorway, her expression hesitant.

y," Marcus replied,

ice barely above a whisper. "For coming h

s an honor to serve

words carefully. "If you ever need anythi

left, leaving Marcus alone with the fain

ge of something extraordinary-though he could not yet foresee the trials