Firebird

At Julian’s home, Malina tends to Enid, who lies injured with broken ribs, a gash along her side, and a fractured leg. Kara, an experienced healer, expresses doubt that Enid will recover. Despite Kara’s skepticism, Malina remains hopeful and allows Enid to rest, determined to ease her suffering. 

Later, Malina wanders through the villa and stumbles upon Stefanos and Ivo mock-sword fighting with sticks. She introduces herself to Ivo, who remains silent but polite. Full of energy, Stefanos shares his dreams of joining the Roman legion, even though his status as an enslaved person makes it impossible. He believes Julian might someday change that. Ruskus appears and abruptly ends the conversation, assigning Malina to serve Julian his evening meal.

Curious, Malina questions Ruskus about Ivo. Ruskus explains that Julian rescued Ivo from certain death. Ivo previously belonged to a cruel Roman consul who nearly beat him to death after he tried to defend an enslaved woman. Aware of Ivo’s injuries and strength, Julian purchased him to serve in his household. Malina, moved by this story, begins to see deeper layers to Julian’s character.

During dinner, Julian convinces Malina to eat with him. They discuss her empathic gift and how she first discovered it at the age of six, when grief overtook Malina’s mother after her father’s death.