Chapter One
Christine Daaé was preparing for bed. She had been a marvelous success at the Opera and had just finished her performance in Romeo and Juliet. Still in her extravagant costume, Christine sat at her dressing table dreaming contentedly of her evening. Out of nowhere, a voice drifted to her,
"You sang beautifully tonight."
A soft smile spread across Christine's pale lips. It was the Angel of Music. Almost in a whisper, she replied, "I sang my best for you. My heart soared as I sang. I wanted to follow the angels and float amongst the pallid light of the approaching morning." Christine closed her eyes to remember once more the flight of her seraphic song. Her loose curls fell freely on her neck and shoulders.
The Angel of Music spoke tenderly, "Once you come to me, you can seek your dreams. Come to me and I will teach you to capture the most angelic of all sounds."
Christine's face was pale, but her eyes were sparkling as to put even the most finely cut sapphire to shame. She held out her arms; wishing she could embrace such a gift already. Walking closer to her full length mirror, Christine put her hand forth and touched her reflection. At her caress, it slid into a thin slit in the wall.
"Come to me, and I will make you soar to the highest parts of Heaven," called the voice in an alluring tone.
Christine gently wrapped her arms in a silk shawl, letting it drape down to the ground. The silvery flowers on her shawl brushed lightly along the smooth floor. Down into the dim corridor she glided towards the Angel of Music.
Far within the heart of the Opera was the Angel of Music's dwelling. Beside it, was its enchanting lake. It mirrored all the lit candles surrounding the lake, making an eerie glow fill the cavern under the Opera. As Christine descended, the Angel drifted towards her in a boat as Christine's path met the shore.
Silently, the Angel held out his hand to Christine. With perfect trust, she placed her hand in his as she stepped carefully into the small boat. The Angel pushed off the shore with a pole and they began to float off on the lake; dividing the shimmering water to reveal dark, murky waters underneath.
Once they reached the Angel's haven, the Angel led Christine into a chamber behind a rich tapestry. Inside was a desk covered in papers; showing the painstaking construction of a dramatic play. Against the opposite wall was a grand piano with a complex piece of music on it. That, too, had been recently composed, no doubt from some haunting memory that could only be released through the numerous movements. Christine looked around her with vivid, bright eyes as if she was in a dream.
All this time the Angel of Music had been holding her hand, guiding Christine to her next revelation in singing. He left her standing next to the piano, gave her a piece of paper with a song on it, and sat down on the piano bench. Christine read it quietly; absorbing each word. Laying it aside, she glanced at the Angel. He began to play the prelude to the song slowly and with great feeling. Then, Christine began to sing. Her voice sounded like the most seraphic thing ever imaginable on this earth. Floating to the sleeping Opera above, many a person's dreams were ingrained with the sweet sound. Closing her eyes, Christine folded her hands and let loose her soul into the song. She didn't need a reminder of the song; it matched her thoughts perfectly. It was designed only for her.