The massive Roman arena thundered with the voices of nearly fifty thousand spectators. Marble columns towered above the circular battlefield while crimson banners fluttered beneath the blazing afternoon sun. Nobles, soldiers, merchants, and travelers had gathered from every corner of the kingdom to witness a spectacle unlike any before it.
High above the arena floor, King Cassius sat upon an enormous stone throne draped in purple royal banners. His expression remained cold as he looked down at the lone figure standing in the center of the sand.
It wasn't a warrior.
It wasn't a criminal.
It was a frightened twelve-year-old boy.
The child wore torn linen clothing stained with dust and dried blood. His hands trembled as he searched the roaring crowd, hoping someone would help him.
No one moved.
The king slowly stood.
His deep voice echoed across the stadium.
"Let the beast decide."
The enormous iron gates beneath the arena walls began to shake.
Heavy chains rattled.
The crowd immediately grew louder.
Many covered their eyes.
Others leaned forward in excitement.
A deafening roar exploded from the darkness.
Then the beast emerged.
A gigantic black lion charged onto the arena floor, its glowing orange eyes fixed directly on the terrified child. Each powerful step threw clouds of sand into the air as the enormous predator sprinted across the battlefield.
The boy froze.
There was nowhere to run.
Nowhere to hide.
The lion closed the distance within seconds.
Spectators screamed.
The child dropped to his knees and covered his head with both arms.
The lion leaped.
Gasps echoed throughout the arena.
Everyone expected blood.
Instead...
The lion landed directly beside the boy.
Its massive roar shook the stone walls, but it never attacked.
The enormous beast lowered its head until its glowing eyes met the frightened child's face.
Complete silence fell over the arena.
Even the king leaned forward.
No one could explain what they were witnessing.