Among the shadows of the estate, Aurelia found allies.
Livia, a broad-shouldered woman with scars on her back, toiled under the sun in the vineyards. She had
once been free in Carthage.
Selene, a small girl of ten, was being taught Latin by tutors. The family wanted to mold her for service as a
"house girl." Selene clung to Aurelia, seeing in her a sister.
The three whispered dreams to each other at night. Of escape. Of a boat. Of wings.