AllFreeNovel
Share Us
My heart begins to race. This thought I had, he had it too. What is this message from beyond?
Romola's grip on my hand tightens, her anxiety palpable despite the veil of calm that surrounds us.
"Speak now, oh mighty lord," the seer intones, his voice reaching a crescendo. "Reveal the secrets that have been buried for centuries, and guide them toward their destiny."
In that moment, it feels as though time itself has come to a standstill. And then, just as suddenly, the silence is broken by the seer's voice, now carrying an edge of urgency. He removes his hands. “Open your eyes,” he says.
We both do as we are told and stare at him. He looks down at us, sweat trickling down his forehead. “Children,” he whispers. “I’ve never before in my life felt a power this strong, this certain. Know that what I tell you isn’t conjecture but a truth that can be your downfall and end if you don’t follow.”
“What is it, Sybil?” Romola cries out.
"Fiero," he says, locking his piercing gaze onto mine, "the god I felt speaks of a great danger that looms over you, one that threatens not only your life but the very fabric of everything you hold dear."
“What form of danger?” I inquire.
He shakes his head. “I cannot tell.”
I swallow hard, my heart pounding in my chest as I process the implications of his words. Romola's hand trembles in mine, and I can tell she is just as shaken by the revelation.
"Romola," the seer continues, turning his attention to her, "This deity, one of war, emphasizes the importance of your role in Fiero's life. You must stand by his side, for without you, he could meet his end."
As I look into Romola's face to see if she cowers from this responsibility. What I see is a resounding sense of purpose as she nods her head with a defiance that awes me. She chooses to stand by my side.
“The two of you are bound by destiny. Your meeting was not by chance, despite what you might believe,” Sybil says.
"Thank you," I whisper to the seer, my voice thick with emotion. "We will heed God's warning and prepare ourselves for what lies ahead."
“You must,” the seer rushes. “For the God of War is not one to bother with mere mortals. If he showed himself to me, there is true chaos on the brink of one wrong step. You may think me a fool, but do not play with your lives to test the theory,” he finishes. “Listen when I say, no matter what happens, you must stand by each other’s side.”
The seer acknowledges the end of our session with a slight incline of his head. As we rise from our seats, hands still clasped tightly together, my thoughts are consumed by what could possibly come. One thing troubles me: Romola must stay for my safety.
But all I think of is how I can ensure hers.
We bid our goodbyes and walk out in silence. Our walk is quiet and heavy, with the weight of the seer’s words pressing down on us with a suffocating force. Just before reaching the car, Romola exchanges a glance with me.
"Can this be true?" Romola asks, her voice barely above a whisper.
I clench my jaw, trying to think of the right words. "I don't know, but I am truly sorry.”
“Sorry?” she gasps, looking confused.
A tender feeling washes over me. She’s so innocent, so sweet. “Romola,” I say. “Just know you must not be tied down. This warning from the gods, whatever it may be, is for me and me alone. Sybil was wrong to tell you what he did,” I say, suddenly feeling angry.
Romola remains quiet and tilts her head, waiting for more. “If it is a fate of destruction I must face, it is mine to bear. To tell you to remain by my side, to keep me safe, suppresses all your autonomy. Please know, Romola, that I can’t bear the thought of you suffering for my sake. If this comradery between us might be lost, so that you can keep me safe. You,” I turn to her, take her hands in mine, and watch as they intermingle together. “Are a free woman, and must remember that.”
Romola's eyes widen in surprise at my words, her gaze searching mine for any sign of deception or doubt. Slowly, a soft smile tugs at the corners of her lips as she takes in my earnest expression.
"Fiero," she begins, her voice gentle yet unwavering. "I understand your concern, your desire to protect me. But know this: my place is by your side, not out of obligation or fear, but out of choice."
I look up at her, and her smile gets wider. “Besides, what makes you think I’d ever be happy knowing you might be in danger? Oh, I couldn’t bear it, truly,” she cries out at the last line with a passion so fierce, I know I don’t doubt her.
“So you’re saying?”
“To protect you is to preserve me. I can’t bear to lose another person I care about.”
I feel a wave of emotions crash over me, and I realize the depth of Romola's feelings for me. “Oh, Romola,” I whisper, leaning in towards her, taking her cheeks in my hands.
She parts her lips, and I meet hers with a tender kiss. In that moment, all my fears and doubts melt away. Romola isn’t just a woman I’m keen to know, she’s becoming my equal. With her by my side, I already feel invincible.
