Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to The Phantom of the Opera. Don't have the money for it, anyways.

"I'm sorry, what?"

"I said, 'I am the Angel of Music, and I have been sent to help you.'"

Christine furrowed her brow. So many things seemed wrong with this situation that she couldn't process it all. After a few seconds of silence, she addressed the disembodied voice again. "Is that, um…?"

Inwardly, Christine cursed herself for feeling so inarticulate in vexing situations. To tell the truth, though, she had never encountered anything like this. She couldn't understand this unseen stranger's motives for the life of her. At this point, she knew that he could either be playing a joke, insane, or well meaning. For the sake of her own self-preservation, and possibly due to some denial on her part, she entertained the idea of the last option.

Erik watched patiently from above as Christine struggled to put her thoughts into words.

"I'm afraid I don't understand what you mean," Christine said, projecting her voice to the balcony of the dimly lit theatre. It was a good a guess as any as to where the voice was coming from, because it seemed to be coming from everywhere at once. "Could you please explain?"

Erik smiled at Christine's unfailing politeness. He knew that it was her first reaction in any situation, regardless of how she actually felt. He could read Christine like a book, and did so regularly.

Nonplussed at the lack of response, Christine spoke again. "Also, I would feel a lot better if you'd come down to the stage to talk to me."

Erik had been expecting this.

"I am an angel. Therefore, I can choose not to make myself visible to you."

That was all Christine needed to hear. Without a second thought, she turned on her heel and made for the stage left door, convinced finally that she was the victim of some unorthodox prank. Upon reaching the door, however, she found it firmly locked. The amicable expression fell from her face. Erik chuckled softly at her attempts to appear calm as she sprinted to try the other door. He watched as strands of her dark hair fell free from the plait down her back and curled loosely around her face.

"Okay," she called to the ceiling, a note of desperation creeping into her voice. "Very funny. My accompanist didn't want to meet me here, you tricked me, but I have to go. My boyfriend is waiting outside."

Rich laughter rang about every corner of the auditorium, causing Christine to startle violently. A valid effort, my dear, he thought to himself. "You do not have a boyfriend, and you needn't be afraid of me."

At this, Christine finally let the alarm she felt play across her features. "How do you know that?"

"Because, dear girl…" Erik purred, watching Christine shiver. "I am your angel. I know everything about you." His languorous, hypnotic tone caused her to lose her train of thought, until the meaning of his words set in.

"You need to let me go right now," Christine cried, backing away, "or I'll call the police!"

Erik frowned. "Whatever for, child? I am the Angel of Music, sent to you by your dear departed father to help you meet your full potential."

Christine stopped, eyes wide. He had struck a nerve. "How dare you?" she said slowly, shaking with rage. "Leave my father out of this you… you creep!" She made another dash for the doors, frantically kicking and tugging at the handle. Erik's frown deepened. Things were not going according to his plan.

"CHRISTINE!" Erik's powerful instrument caused the ground to rumble, and the crystal of the chandelier to chime menacingly. The doors were spared as Christine sunk to the floorboards of the stage, stunned.

"I don't understand," said Christine quietly. "How do you know all this? Have you been following me?"

"I know you, because I am your angel," Erik repeated. A pained look crossed Christine's face.

"That's not what I… I mean, angels aren't real."

Erik paled.

He had not been expecting this.

A/N: Hi! I posted the first chapter to a different story a little while ago, but took it down due to a lack of inspiration. This story sort of counts as my first fan fiction, then. I'm pretty excited about it! Please let me know what you think!