The Romanov Oracle

by Molly Tullis

It was but two people who fanned a spark that became a flame; one that lit the match that burned down life as they knew it; all while the couple danced in the center of the fire’s afterglow and kissed the ash from one another’s cheeks.

She had stayed calm and kept her cool for fifteen years, and in fifteen minutes, this strange man had ripped her limb from limb… and left her wanting more.

He had spent the past fifteen years imagining what Anastasia would be like… and she had shattered every preconceived notion that he had.

After her family had diminished her, she must have hidden the last precious bits of her soul so they couldn't be stolen.

"I do," his voice was somber, yet filled with confused awe, as he found himself completely at a loss for how to respond to this version of the woman he thought he had hated.

Now, only time would tell if they would be able to recognize each other’s matching scars or if the animosity of things out of their control would drive them apart.

They were each so blinded by their obsession to cover their scars that they couldn't see their injuries were the same.

A man could die happy being on the other end of a look like that.

Both of them sequestered from the events of one night that left them with scars they were too afraid to show anyone.

This man doesn’t even need to touch you, does he? And you lose your mind.

Both looked for weaknesses in the other’s defenses when they simply could’ve handed over a key.

You’re too afraid you won’t accept each other once the scars are out.

It couldn’t quite be described as uncomfortable or easy silence: it simply was.

“No!” Anastasia cut him off, crossing her arms over her chest. “Mikhail. There’s only one bed.”

“Anastasia,” Mikhail’s voice was cold, sharp — a tone she had never heard before. “Who the fuck did that to you?”

They were dancing around one another's insecurities, waiting for the other to strike.

Without thinking, both of them fell into an easy embrace that was too comfortable for either of them to accept.

It was only when he had been able to accept that people were flawed, accidents happen, and to move past his own hurt… he had seen who she really was. And God, she’s magnificent.

Don’t let them convince you that your only worth is your magic. You aren’t their weapon or a tool; you’re a person.