Cassius au Bellona

The brother who drew steel against the man who took his sibling.

Cassius au Bellona is a Gold from House Bellona who becomes Darrow's friend and ally within House Mars at the Institute. Initially, he shares a close bond with Darrow, but their relationship fractures when Darrow kills Cassius's brother, Julian, during the Passage. Enraged by this betrayal, Cassius duels Darrow, stabbing him and leaving him for dead before usurping control of House Mars. Despite his anger, Cassius later abdicates leadership to Darrow after being confronted in Olympus, declaring a blood feud rather than reconciling immediately.

Lore & Background

Cassius au Bellona enters the Institute as a high-class Gold student drafted into House Mars. He befriends Darrow early on, forming an alliance that seems solid until the brutal 'Passage' event forces students to fight in pairs. In this deadly initiation, Darrow kills Cassius's brother, Julian. This act creates a deep rift between them.

When rumors surface about House Pluto's leader, the Jackal (Adrius au Augustus), and Darrow manipulates other Houses to win control of Mars, tensions rise. The truth of Julian's death is revealed by the Jackal via video, prompting Cassius to challenge Darrow to a duel. Cassius stabs Darrow severely and leaves him for dead in the forest, seizing command of House Mars in his absence. Later, when Darrow returns with an army and captures the Proctors at Olympus, he confronts Cassius.

Instead of fighting to the death or executing Darrow, Cassius abdicates control of House Mars to him but declares a blood feud, cementing their fractured relationship.

Reader's Guide

Cassius au Bellona is defined by his loyalty to family and his rigid adherence to a personal code of honor. He begins as Darrow's friend in House Mars but becomes his fiercest rival after learning Darrow killed Julian. His arc at the Institute highlights the conflict between friendship and duty, culminating in a duel that leaves Darrow for dead. Cassius then leads House Mars until Darrow returns to reclaim leadership. Key moments include the death of his brother Julian during the Passage, the revelation of Darrow's guilt via video from the Jackal, the duel where he wounds Darrow and takes command, and finally, his abdication of House Mars to Darrow while declaring a blood feud.