The Roman Empire never fell. Now, in the 21st century, it rules a world on the brink. In the city of Vetera, Ampelius is just trying to get by—until a sudden explosion plunges the city into darkness. As power fails, the streets erupt into chaos, and the military tightens its grip. Ampelius is forced to navigate a world unraveling around him—only to realize he’s caught in something far bigger than rebellion. Something is coming.Something Rome is not prepared for.