The Path to Redemption
Foreword
This story is based on a mixture of different versions of the story; mostly Leroux characterizations, though the performance of Don Juan Triumphant follows that of the stage play, not the movie, as the opera house does not burn down. Also, there are slight spiritual undertones in this piece (Fate, etc.), so if that is not your cup of tea, please find another story.
Prologue
Her lips lingered on his a second time, far longer and far deeper than the first. For a moment, he allowed himself to lapse into the illusion; he allowed himself to believe she actually wanted this; that she kissed him simply to kiss him, not to save her boy, or herself, or to play games with his mind.
Had she kissed him under normal circumstances, or as normal circumstances could be when he was involved, he would have been overjoyed, and thoroughly shocked. Now both had faded away when he realized the true motive of her actions, leaving only bitter disappointment in their wake.
She pulled away and looked into his eyes, within hers a mixture of uncertainty, fear, awe and hope.
To Erik, they seemed to say, "I have kissed you. Let him go now…I have given you what you wanted, now give me what I want." Which is anything but you…
"Fair trade," they whispered. "Fair trade…"
No!
Anger at being manipulated! Anger at being wrong, and being caught by her! Anger for regretting any of this, anger for feeling, anger for ever seeing her to begin with.
Not anger.
Rage.
He left his body. He was a spectator suddenly.
And in one swift motion, one flex of the muscles and one pull, the Viscount de Chagny was dead.
He was killed by the Punjab lasso.
