Firebird

Upon arriving in Rome, Malina restitches Julian’s wound, and he then goes to visit Caesar, who summons him to the dragon pit. There, Julian finds both Caesar and Ciprian, his rival. Ciprian mocks Julian for his recent military losses, but Julian counters that he still lost fewer men than Ciprian did on his last campaign. Ciprian delivers a veiled threat, implying familiarity with Julian’s household before leaving. 

Caesar stares into the pit, where Camilla, his sister and Julian’s aunt, devours human remains. When Caesar calls to her, she snarls at him but emits a sorrowful sound at the sight of Julian. Caesar brought several doctors to examine Camilla when it became clear she could or would no longer shift to human form. They claim she suffers from dragon madness and can no longer return to human form. Julian believes trauma keeps her trapped in dragon form, referencing a similar historical case. 

Caesar manipulates Julian into hosting Ciprian’s Rite of Skulls, a ritual honor that will mark Ciprian’s promotion to legatus, or general. He ends the meeting by asking Julian to send in an enslaved girl. On his way home, Julian debates what role Malina should play at the rite, knowing she will draw attention regardless.