Christine
watched helplessly as the flames engulfed what Erik once valued above
all else. She watched them mercilessly beat him and watched him
fall dead upon the stone floors which were already red with blood,
though she could not tell whose. She watched, and she couldn't
do anything about it. Silent tears streamed down her face as
her anger at Erik dissipated. She had no right treating him
this way after all he has done for her.
Christine touched the ring
he had given her. It sparked in a carefree way, reflecting the
flames. She thought of giving the ring back, but couldn't
bring herself to do it. She couldn't part with her last link
to the man who gave her everything. Even though he was dead
now, she didn't care. It was her fault entirely and she would
carry the guilt for the rest of her life.
Christine tore her gaze away from the inferno and looked up at Raoul, her love and future husband. As if sensing her eyes on his back, Raoul turned to look at her. The corners of his mouth turned up slightly. Christine attempted to smile back, but failed miserably. Instead, she burst into tears. Misinterpreting her reaction, Raoul placed a comforting hand on her shoulder and whispered,
"I'm alright now."
Christine only shook her head. At last, they turned a corner and, aside from the reflection in the water and the glow on the walls, the burning room was no longer visible. Christine gave one last sob then her expression turned blank. There was no point really remembering anymore, it only created hurt. Without a second thought, she slipped the ring off of her finger and giving it one last longing look, threw it over her shoulder. It bounced off the wall with a clang that sounded like a clear bell and sank beneath the murky waters to finally rest along with the master of the Music of The Night.