Cassius au Bellona

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. Throughout these events, Cassius remains a central figure in the power struggles of the Institute, embodying the fierce loyalty and honor code of his house, even as it drives him into conflict with those he once called friends.

In Their Own Story

The Institute's halls echoed with the clash of steel as Cassius au Bellona faced the truth of Julian's death. The video from the Jackal left no room for doubt; Darrow had killed his brother during the Passage. Consumed by rage, Cassius sought out the man he once called a friend. They met in a duel that ended with Cassius stabbing Darrow and leaving him to die in a forest cave. Taking command of House Mars, Cassius led his housemates through the brutal campaign against other Houses, driven by grief and a need for justice. Weeks later, the tables turned. Darrow returned, freed Mustang from captivity, and stormed Olympus with an army of liberated slaves. In the final confrontation within the Proctors' base, Darrow stood before Cassius. There was no mercy in the air, only the weight of a broken brotherhood. Cassius stepped forward, not to kill, but to surrender his command. He abdicated House Mars to Darrow, his voice steady despite the turmoil, and declared a blood feud—a promise that their paths would cross again in a fight for honor.

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. Cassius is a warrior who values honor above all, even when it costs him his closest ally.

Did You Know?

• Cassius duels and kills Titus au Ladros after Darrow sentences the tyrant to death.
• He is stabbed by Darrow and left for dead before usurping control of House Mars.
• Cassius declares a blood feud against Darrow after abdicating leadership at Olympus.
• His brother, Julian, is killed by Darrow during the Passage initiation at the Institute.
• The Jackal (Adrius au Augustus) reveals Cassius's brother's death via video to provoke him.