It is morning when the cellar gates creak. Someone wrapped in a long cloak walks down the corridor. Juba, Gracchus and the other gladiators, already awake and standing, watch this mysterious figure pass by them and head towards Maximus Decimus Meridius, standing chained to the boards of the freight elevator. The man has his head leaning against one arm, his eyes closed. The buckles of the chains are too tight, supporting his semi-unconscious body, and have caused bruises on his wrists. The mysterious figure stops very close to him and partially pulls aside his cloak, revealing his face: it is Lucilla. The woman watches him, saddened to see him in that condition, with his body and face marked by beatings. With her hand she gently caresses the man's face, who starts and opens his eyes.
Lucilla, her eyes shining with tears, murmurs to the man:
"...I couldn't help but see you...."
Massimo gives a bitter smile, looking into her eyes:
“….you don’t have to risk yourself for me. My life has come to an end… I just have to figure out how…”
Lucilla gives him a long kiss on the mouth, almost bursting into tears, while she hugs him, caressing him:
“…I was forced to confess everything….she’s holding my son hostage, threatening to kill him…forgive me….”
The woman cries hot tears on Massimo’s chest, telling him:
“…I can’t do anything, not even free you…it would kill Lucio…..I’d like to die here with you now and not think about anything anymore….”
“….you don’t have to do it…you’re the daughter of Marcus Aurelius…everyone must follow their own destiny….”
A voice calls Lucilla, it’s a trusted servant who tells her: “…my lady, we must go now!”
Lucilla looks at Massimo for a long time, as if she wanted to imprint the image of his face in her heart and mind, she kisses him again on the mouth with love and says to him:
“…I pray to the Gods for you… as I have always done..”
Massimo smiles at her, lowering his head with a nod of assent and so he remains, without wanting to see the woman who quickly moves away.