A/N: I do not own the Phantom of the Opera or the characters involved. That privilege belongs to Gaston Leroux, Susan Kay, and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

This story will be mostly Leroux and Kay based, with some references to the ALW musical.

Prologue

"You sent her away, Erik."

Nadir sighed as he ran a hand through his graying hair. He was seated in a plush wingback chair staring intently into the fire.

"Why must you revisit old feelings that will only bring hardship to everyone around you?"

Erik stood behind him in brooding silence, the light from the flickering flames dancing off his black mask. His arms were folded underneath his cloak. His hat had been cast carelessly on the table near the entryway.

The drapes of Nadir's small sitting room had been drawn to prevent any light from filtering in, as well as to ease Erik's mind lest some meandering passerby glance in. He had formulated a plan, and it would not do to be discovered so early in his game.

"For all intents and purposes, she seems to be very content with the Vicomte. Let her live her life in happiness and peace." Nadir said, turning to look pointedly at Erik.

Erik's menacing countenance dissipated as he walked over to the settee situated across from Nadir and sat down with a heavy sigh. His elbows resting on his knees, he put his head in his hands and ran his fingers through his jet black hair.

"You have not seen her cry, Daroga." Erik whispered softly, finally breaking his silence.

Nadir shifted uncomfortably in his seat at Erik's sudden show of weakness and emotion. A trickle of dread slid down his spine as he prepared himself for the answer to his next question.

"What do you mean, Erik?" Nadir asked, the trepidation evident in his voice.

Not wishing to further expose his vulnerability, Erik rose and straightened to his full, imposing height. "That boy is not worthy of her!"

His suspicions confirmed Nadir barely managed to keep his anger in check as he rose to meet Erik squarely in the eyes.

"That boy? My God Erik, have you been prowling around the Chagny estate?!" He threw his hands in the air as he paced back and forth. "What were you thinking?"

"I cannot let her go." He replied simply.

Exasperated, Nadir slumped back into his chair. "Isn't the chaos you caused once before enough? Hell Erik, you almost destroyed both of their lives, not to mention your own. She is better off with Raoul. He can provide a good life for her. They are young and in love. Why take that away from her?"

Eriks hands clenched into fists at his side as he spoke with malice. "She is not better off with him! If they are so in love, than why does she cry herself to sleep?"

"Why did you come here?" Nadir demanded.

Erik remained stoic. He seemed reluctant to fill the void. Nadir narrowed his eyes and glanced back at him, his finger slicing the air as if he were scolding a small boy. "I want no part in whatever plan you are constructing!"

"Oh, but you play an integral part Nadir," Erik said with a sinister laugh.

Nadir blanched, uneasy as to what Erik was conjuring.

"I have taken out an obituary in the Epogue," Erik continued. "It merely states that 'Erik is dead'."

"Are you insane?"

"Quite the contrary Daroga," he chuckled. "I think of this as a rather ingenious way to get Christine to come to me of her own free will."

"And how is it that I fit into this ludicrous scenario?"

Erik's eyes lost their mischievous glint they held only moments before, as he met the Daroga with a sobering gaze.

"I will need you to deliver the news to Christine. She will need instructions on how to carry out my last wishes." Erik said solemnly.

"What about the boy? And how can you be certain this is what Christine wants, if she ever speaks to you again upon realizing your deceit."

"When I let her go, I caught a look in her eye that made me doubt my decision." He replied slowly. "Only this time, there will be no second guesses."

"And Raoul?" Nadir prodded.

"That damned boy is not my concern!" Erik spat. "Christine will make her choice."

Nadir closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. He could hardly believe the next words that came from his mouth.

"Will a letter do?"

A/N: Alright! My first fan fic. I hope you have enjoyed it. I welcome constructive criticism. Please READ & REVIEW!! Thanks!