Chapter 3: Floor Thirteen


Nadir paced back and forth with an expression on his face that held a mixture of anger, irritation and concern,

"Absolutely not Erik! I sympathise for Isabelle's situation just as you do but we cannot..." he tried before glancing at Isabelle awkwardly before leaning closer towards Erik so that only he could hear him,

"We cannot let her know what is inside floor thirteen" Nadir murmured but Erik simply rolled his eyes,

"She already knows, Nadir" the former phantom told the concerned Persian whose expression became one of disbelief as he looked at the princess whom offered a sympathetic smile,

"You needn't fear, Mr Khan. The knowledge concerning the contents of floor 13 is safe with me. Not a single person shall learn of it from me" Isabelle assured causing Nadir to run a hand through his thinning hair in frustration as he turned back to Erik,

"What possible reason could make you think that any of this is a good idea?!" he demanded, watching as Erik developed a smug smile,

"... My observations of Isabelle's abilities and knowledge has convinced me that she is the perfect individual to guard floor 13... She will take up residence their immediately and tomorrow morning, Madame Giry will make her usual trip to the east wing suite with the princess's breakfast tray only to discover that most of her belongings appear to have been gathered in a hurry and so must automatically mean that the princess bride to be has fled during the night" Erik explained and Nadir growled in frustration; Isabelle couldn't help but giggle in amusement before placing a gentle hand on the Persian's shoulder,

"Nadir... Listen to me. The secret of floor 13 is completely safe with me... I know that Erik is your oldest and although he refuses to admit it, your dearest friend. I know that you are only looking out for him but I assure you Nadir... The safety of your friend and the contents of floor 13 also ensures my own safety... It is essential that I disappear without a single chance or opportunity that Alexander might find me" Isabelle told him with a serious tone and Nadir could clearly see the trace of fear within her eyes,

"... There is more to this than just your not wanting to marry someone you don't love, isn't there?" he pressed knowingly and Isabelle looked towards Erik whom wore a curious expression upon his masked face and the reluctant princess sighed defeated,

"... You might as well both know seeing as you're helping me escape my fate... Alexander is the crowned prince to the kingdom of Harrington. Small though the kingdom may be; it has a proud history and is very important to Alexander's family... The only problem is that the kingdom has ran out of money which means the royal family will become powerless as soon as the situation becomes public knowledge..." Isabelle explained before glancing at Erik sadly,

"You were wrong... I am not wealthy in any way but as Alexander's future wife. My life is currently worth nothing but as soon as I say 'I do..." she tried, watching as Erik developed an expression of realisation,

"... As soon as you marry him, your life becomes a living trust fund... Alexander is planning to kill you as soon as you become his wife" the masked man mumbled, turning away and began to pace as he thought; Nadir looked at his friend with concern,

"Even if we help Isabelle disappear... Surely, Alexander will simply choose another unfortunate woman for his twisted plan" he pointed out but Isabelle quickly shook her head,

"actually he can't... During the process of my engagement to Alexander, after learning his plan to claim the money listed to generate upon my death... I began gathering evidence of the royal family's financial situation as well as a copy of the life insurance policy that would become valid upon my marriage to Alexander... I have sent everything to a friend of mine whom has the public influence to make the news of Harrington's bankruptcy international knowledge. He is currently waiting for a coded telegram telling him to release the news which means no other woman can become a victim of his dastardly intentions" Isabelle explained and blushed when Erik aimed an impressed smirk in her direction,

"... You my dear are by far the most impressive woman I have ever met" he praised before moving to his desk and retrieved a skeleton key from one of his drawers and offered it to Nadir,

"Tonight I want you to take my personal secret passage and go to Isabelle's former chambers, gather any essentials she might need that will help her to be comfortable when she is finally safe from Alexander" Erik instructed as his friend accepted the key, nodding before going back downstairs to the concert hall in order to carry out his day to day duties so that he wouldn't arose suspicion.


Erik lead Isabelle back to her chambers through his personal secret passage and checked through a window that appeared as mirror on the other side; Seeing that the coast was clear he looked at Isabelle with a serious expression,

"Ok, I know you want to experience freedom sooner rather than later but for now just amuse yourself in your chambers until Nadir comes and gets you later. We cannot take any chances of Alexander or his imbecile guards finding you're missing before the right time" Erik reasoned and Isabelle nodded in understanding before sliding open the window and made her way into the east wing suite but looked at Erik with a raised eyebrow upon discovering that it was also a mirror,

"Are all the mirrors in here secret windows?" she asked and Erik smirked, offering a wink,

"Do you really want me to answer that?" he teased, sliding the window shut as Isabelle smiled brightly, rolling her eyes in amusement.


The next morning upon discovering that Isabelle as well as her belongings were missing; Alexander flipped a table within his chambers,

"I don't care how you do it. I want her found! Bring her to me alive!" he yelled at his guards whom nodded; All of them unaware that Erik was watching them through a secret window with a glare upon his masked face.


Surely you didn't think I would reveal the secret of floor 13 so soon LOL Tell you what I am merciful so in order to earn the secret of floor 13 in the next chapter please review and tell me your theories about what you think Erik is hiding away up there! its as simple as that!

Kind Regards,

TheAuthor1996