These are the foundations upon which Gaius Flavius has built his life as a revered Centus in the elite Lorenan Bellatorio. But when a covert mission to quell a rebellion in the isles of the Southern Shield turns deadly, Gaius finds himself battling not just fierce insurrectionists but his own unwavering loyalty to the Bellatorio he serves. Misled by corrupt leaders, Gaius soon realizes that the true cost of this fight may be paid in the blood of the brave men and women under his command. As chaos looms and the body count rises, Gaius is confronted by an impossible choice. Will he hold fast to his oath and lead his soldiers to near-certain doom? Or will he risk everything - his honor, his reputation, even his own life - to protect the warriors who trusted him to lead them to victory? In this gripping prequel novella to the engrossing Legion of Pneumos series, see Loren through the eyes of an uncompromising commander pushed to his breaking point. The Centus is a heart-pounding tale of duty, deception, and the indomitable strength of the human spirit. Fans of Sabaa Tahir and Brandon Sanderson will be captivated by this electrifying military fantasy fueled by gritty battles, complex characters, and an exploration of the razor-thin line between duty and morality amidst the fog of war.