The first kiss turned a ghost into a man. The second turned a girl into a woman. Two kisses, a ring, a backward glance: on such things do lives turn. In the real world outside the opera, two people struggle against themselves - while around them, France careens into military disaster. Some RC, mostly EC. WIP.

Anastasia, 21, is a closed-off, fully trained submissive with a simple life ethic and dark past. Billionaire Christian, 25, was initially looking for a robot, but quickly wanted more from Ana. He pushes her to let him in but she fights him every step of the way. Dark themes of depression and self-harm for Ana; no cheating and HEA.

Nora Grayson has always believed in the power of the Party. However, after marrying the brutally handsome re-education officer Victor Freeman, she begins to have doubts. When she gives birth to an unorthodox child, all her previous beliefs are quickly shattered by the desperate urge to protect him. But none escape the Party for long ... [all OCs]