Prologue-
Meg Giry turned the corner, anticipating the moment when she would finally reach the lair. Lately, she hardly ever went down there. Not for months. It was all because of what had happened three moths ago…
Erik would see no one. And until about a month after Christine left, Meg didn't even know he was still alive.
But she had received a letter from him, with his handwriting and his seal. The red skull, grinning madly with malice and a terrifying amusement.
Meg's long blonde hair swished from side to side and she walked swiftly towards what had recently been Christine's dressing room. She stepped in and immediately shuddered at the flood of memories that came to her. This room she had come to, to seek warmth and understanding from one as kind and perfect as Christine, but now it was dark. All the flowers in the un-washed vases were dead and dropping. It was silent as a cemetery at night, and the windows were covered with black curtain. The bed was messy and unmade, and on the floor right next to the mirror laid a single red rose. A black ribbon tied around the stem. The rose was big and blooming, undying, unlike the rest of the flowers. The room was cold and black, and Meg felt entangled suddenly in a twirl of veiled mist.
Meg shakily walked up to the mirror; she slid the frame of it to the left and stepped inside. The long hallway that followed was engulfed with spider's webs and rats.
Meg walked down the narrow corridor and soon came to some stone stairs. She sprinted down, until she got to the lake.
Upon the lake there was a boat tied to a post. Meg got in and picked up the two oars, she rowed for a bit, until she saw the steel gate.
Like magic, just as Meg approached the gate it started to lift. Meg pulled the oars, forcing her way under the rising gate.
And there it was.
Erik's lair.
Filled with lit candles at least knee high, some rising above her head.
Meg saw the piano perched on the side of the lair.
Meg stopped rowing and let herself slowly drift the shore, then stepped out of the un-docked boat.
She couldn't see Erik anywhere in sight, but she did see his mask. His white half-mask that he always wore.
She walked around the other side, soon she saw Erik, sitting in front of his music box, with the statue of a monkey on top.
Erik's face was showing, since the mask did not cover it. His small bumps and scars cut deep into the left side of his face. And there was some dried blood on his face, which meant he had been picking at the scars- a tell he was upset. The blood washed over part of the one half of his face in a crimson blur.
"Erik," Meg whispered softly.
Erik looked up; his green eyes penetrating, "You came."
"Did you think I wouldn't?" Meg smiled briefly, "I have not seen you in months Erik, and I miss you."
Erik shook his head, "But… after all I have done… These last few months I have not been myself, Meg. I have let love come into my mind and let it destroy my soul. I am a murderer, Meg, considered a madman."
"But I know better. You are a genius, I admire you still as much as I always have."
"I dropped the body of Joseph Bouquet onstage during a performance," Erik spat bitterly, "Only a fool, a madman- a monster would do that."
"You have given flowers to his grave, you have begged God in the chapel for forgiveness- at the risk of being seen. You have proved that you repented, that is all you need to do."
Erik sneered, "It is not enough. Meg, I fear for you and your mother. You both should leave me now, never return."
Meg was irritated now, "And leave you to rot? You know us better; you know we cannot leave you. Not now, nor ever. We will stand by you no matter the price we must pay."
"You speak bravely, but only for yourself. I had sent your mother a letter, telling her to come and see me only three days ago, and she never came." Erik hissed.
Meg laughed in irritation, "Erik, you cannot tell me to go away. I will stand next to you no matter what."
Erik lowered his head, "I know. I'm sorry. I just… everything that's been happening…"
Meg smiled, "I understand, it has been difficult for you. Christine was my best friend… and then Raoul came-"
"You don't need to remind me."
"Right. Sorry."
Erik picked up a long object. It was a rose, wrapped in a purple ribbon. Erik put it towards Meg, "A gift for you."
"Don't you usually put black ribbon?"
"That was for…"
"Christine." Meg finished sourly.
Erik flustered, "I'm sorry."
Meg smiled; she shook her head; "It's beautiful."
Erik said nothing; he just smiled.
"I should probably be going." Meg said after a while.
"Yes, goodbye, then."
"Goodbye. Remember, if you need anything, just come and get me." Meg reminded.
Erik nodded, "Of course."
So, Meg left, leaving Erik to his silence.