The feeling of Raoul's arms wrapping around her waist and arm interrupted her thoughts of Erik. Christine resisted weakly to his attempt to drag her away from the opera house.

Her mind was racing, she reflected upon the events that unfolded over the course of the month. Her gaze shifted to look upon Raoul, her childhood love. He had only recalled his feelings for her when he heard triumph at the gala, her voice aroused a feeling that he forgotten since his youth. But could that feeling truly be love? If it could be forgotten so easily, discarded so carelessly…No. At the very most it was a superficial love, motivated by the beautiful parts of Christine that she valued the least.

They were almost at the entrance to the opera house. Her resistance increased and with more force. She broke free from Raoul's grasp and ran back towards the stage. He yelled, "Christine, what are you doing?! He made his choice, my love!"

Christine reached the lair to find Erik slumped and weeping softly on this throne. His cape was draped around his body as he held himself with both arms. She walk swiftly to his side and placed her hand gently on his shoulder. His head turned to look upon her with his unmasked face and rose up with shock.

"Am I in a dream, or has my sanity finally left me?", Erik questioned in his confusion. "I am truly here, Erik. I couldn't stand by and allow you to face that mob alone, not after witnessing the depths of your love for me. Allow me to stay with you until the end." Erik replied, "Unacceptable. I'll not have you be present at the site of my demise. The freedom I presented you and your love was borne out of your unwarranted compassion for this wretch before you. Don't demean my gift any longer, leave. I have accepted my fate."

Christine, upset by Erik's response, grabbed his hands, and stared directly into his eyes. "You've been a precious gift from on high, despite what you have done in error. I realize that it was love that pushed you. Love for me. The evidence was clear the moment you chose my happiness over your own. That is the reason why I've returned, because your love is a pure and precious thing." Christine lunged forward with a kiss which was reciprocated.

Voices started echoing through the lair. The mob finally arrived and spotted a figure sitting on what appeared to be a throne. One man grabbed at the figure, but all that was in his hands was a cape. The phantom's mask was left staring at the mob as they searched the lair, in vain.