Flavia, Nubia and Lupus suspecting that their friend Jonathan is not dead, organize an invitation to Rome on the pretense of witnessing the opening of the new Flavian amphitheatre. Their search for Jonathan leads them straight to the games, where they must face wild beasts, criminals, conspirators and gladiators. It's Nubia's turn to employ all her courage and talents, and before the end of the story she is called upon to make the most terrible choice.