Chapter 2: Adjusting to a New Life
Aurelius had begun to settle into a rhythm within his new life, though "settling" was hardly the right word for it. Each morning, he'd wake to unfamiliar surroundings—a grand room with stone pillars, carved designs, and rich tapestries that seemed to echo the ancient, noble halls of Rome. He spent his days observing the routine of those around him, mapping the household's flow: mealtime gatherings, formal conversations, and quieter hours in which the halls lay empty and the torches flickered dimly.
Every small act felt like a discovery. Movements he once took for granted, like reaching for an object or sitting up, now demanded concentrated effort and left him exhausted. His small limbs ached with each attempt, reinforcing his sense of limitation. Frustration simmered under the surface, but he forced himself to be patient. This body would grow stronger, he told himself, and for now, he would focus on learning everything he could.
His new family treated him with gentle respect, doting on him as though he were a young noble—a role he hadn't anticipated but was beginning to recognize.
Over time, Aurelius observed enough to start piecing together the dynamics within the household. His caretakers treated him with warmth and respect, especially a woman he assumed was his mother, who watched over him with a gentle but commanding presence. Other figures moved through the halls, some in stately robes, others in simpler attire. He noticed how some people were quick to lower their heads or offer quiet greetings when they encountered certain family members.
It was during these moments that he would hear them call him "Aurelius." Though the name felt foreign, each time it was spoken, he found himself accepting it a little more. He clung to it as a link to this new life, something to hold onto as he tried to forge an identity in this strange world.
The more he listened, the more he understood that this family—his family—held a position of influence. Terms like "honor" and "duty" surfaced often in conversation, always laced with pride. And gradually, it dawned on him that with this nobility came high expectations.
Frustration set in as Aurelius struggled with the language barrier. Words swirled around him in Latin—a language he recognized but could not fully understand. His mind, sharp as ever, tried to dissect phrases and syllables, attempting to decode their meanings. His old life had given him a foundation, a basic understanding, but the nuances escaped him, leaving him feeling isolated within his own family.
Determined to bridge this gap, he began mimicking the sounds he heard, starting with simple words. The language felt clumsy on his tongue, but slowly, he picked up fragments—enough to say basic words like "food," "fire," and "yes." The reactions from his caretakers, their smiles and encouraging gestures, fueled his resolve. Speaking was a small step, but it felt like progress, a sliver of control in an otherwise unfamiliar life.
His attempts to communicate grew bolder as he gained confidence. Even though he wasn't fluent, each word he grasped brought him closer to understanding the world he'd found himself in. Getting back into walking around was an easy affair.
One afternoon, as Aurelius wandered the household, he came across a sight that stopped him in his tracks. An older family member, perhaps an uncle or older sibling, walked through the halls accompanied by a strange creature—a beast that defied anything he had ever seen.
The creature resembled a wolf, yet its fur flickered with faint embers, shimmering in shades of deep red and orange. Its eyes glowed with an intelligence that sent a shiver down his spine. This was no ordinary animal; it was something out of myth, a creature infused with an aura that seemed both wild and controlled. His mind raced as he tried to make sense of it.
Stunned, he stared, his mind struggling to reconcile what he was seeing. This beast was a living embodiment of fire, something that had no place in the Ancient Rome he remembered. It moved gracefully beside its master, and the family member seemed completely at ease in its presence, as if this was normal.
The realization struck him hard: this was not the Rome he had studied. This was something else, a world where the mythic was real, where beasts walked among humans and seemed bound to them.
Though the sight unsettled him, it also sparked a strange thrill. If creatures like this existed, what else might he discover? The thought stirred his curiosity, pushing away his earlier hesitation. He wanted to understand this world, to learn its secrets, and if such beasts were part of it, he would uncover their mysteries.
Aurelius's gaze stayed locked on the creature as it walked beside the family member, its movements fluid and captivating. The beast—its fur flickering like embers—moved freely, with no leash or restraint, seeming almost as though it had chosen to be there. The way it followed so calmly gave it an aura of intelligence, an awareness that unsettled and intrigued him.
Despite his nerves, Aurelius felt compelled to get closer, his curiosity outweighing his caution. He took a tentative step forward, half-expecting the creature to react. It paused, one fiery eye glancing toward him, and he froze, heart pounding. But instead of snarling or backing away, the beast merely tilted its head, studying him with an expression that seemed… almost curious.
Encouraged by its lack of aggression, he took another step, drawing closer. His eyes darted between the creature and the man it accompanied—a tall, imposing figure dressed in the noble attire of their house. This man, whom he vaguely remembered seeing around the household, had an air of strength and authority. His gaze held an intensity that was almost unsettling, but there was something familiar in his face. This was his uncle, a man whose presence commanded attention, and who, it seemed, had bonded with this remarkable creature.
"Ah, you've noticed Ignis," his uncle spoke, his voice deep, carrying a hint of amusement as he observed Aurelius's wide-eyed fascination. "Not every day you see such a beast, is it?"
Aurelius's eyes flicked back to the creature—Ignis, as his uncle had called it. The beast's embers seemed to pulse gently, as though sensing his thoughts. Aurelius could feel the heat radiating from it, a warmth that was somehow both comforting and awe-inspiring. He was captivated, yet a part of him remained wary, unsure if Ignis's calm demeanor would hold.
He finally found the courage to speak, his voice shaky but clear. "Is. . is he safe?"
His uncle chuckled, nodding. "Ignis is as gentle as he is fierce. He knows when to be cautious." He extended a hand to the beast, who leaned into the touch with what appeared to be trust. "A creature like this doesn't need leashes or chains. He is loyal because he chooses to be."
Aurelius hesitated, curiosity bubbling to the surface. "How did you get him?"
His uncle's expression softened, a hint of pride evident in his gaze. "A bond is earned, Aurelius. Just as much a matter of patience as it is strength. When the time comes, you, too, will have the chance to bond with a creature. That is, if you prove yourself worthy."
Aurelius glanced back at Ignis, feeling a new sense of purpose settle within him. This wasn't just a pet or a companion—Ignis was a partner, a force of nature bound by loyalty and trust. He couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to have such a bond, to feel the power of a creature beside him, united in purpose.
"You want to touch him?" his uncle asked, the faintest trace of a smile forming.
Aurelius swallowed, unsure. He extended his hand slowly, meeting the beast's steady gaze. Ignis sniffed at him, and then, to his surprise, nuzzled his hand with surprising gentleness. The warmth of its fur was like a living ember, grounding him, giving him a glimpse of what such a partnership might feel like.
In that moment, he made a silent promise to himself. One day, he would have a creature of his own—a beast that would stand beside him as Ignis stood with his uncle. But for now, he would watch, learn, and prepare himself for the day he could forge a bond as strong as the one before him.