Erik lifted Christine's limp body into his arms. He looked down at her pale face, her normally flawless skin marred by the bruise-like circles under her eyes. She looked so fragile, her head lolling against his chest. The sight of her was like a burning sword through his heart, aggravating the barely controlled rage that roiled inside him. He planted a swift kiss on Christine's forehead. The boy would pay for this, he promised.
The sound of frantic voices echoed from the hallway, growing steadily closer. Of course, the help would soon arrive to check on the damage. He needed to leave. Without another glance in the insolent boy's direction, he hugged Christine's body close to his chest and leapt through the broken window. He raced through the frigid night, faster than any human could comprehend without leaving so much as a footprint in the pristine, virgin snow.
Erik lay Christine gingerly in the phoenix bed so as not to disturb her. In such close proximity, he couldn't help breathing in the rich scent of her blood. It was even stronger now than it had been in the cold night air. The headiness of it assaulted his senses, causing his fangs to protrude as the hunger reared its ugly head. He closed his eyes, forcing it back into the recesses of his mind. No. He thought. Not now, not tonight.
Erik stared down at Christine, watching her chest rise and fall with each breath she took. He couldn't resist the urge to reach out and touch her. Drawing his thumb along the curve of her cheek, he felt the warmth that radiated from her flesh, sensing the life force that pulsed beneath her perfect, silken skin. His eyes swept down the slender curves of her form, drinking in her effervescent beauty. He sighed. Even in sleep, she enticed him.
"Only you can make my song take flight…" He sang in a whispered tone. He caressed her full bottom lip before letting his hand fall away from her face. Reluctantly, he turned away from her and walked toward his organ to compose.
Christine's eyes fluttered open. The world around her was blurry at first, then slowly came into focus. Her body was sprawled in a mound of plush sheets and pillows. She looked down to realize she still wore the black lace dress from the night before…gradually, panic seeped into her, making her heart race. Was she still in Raoul's house? Was he lurking somewhere, waiting for her to wake up? If he was, she needed to get out of there, and fast. She sat up quickly and immediately regretted the decision. A sharp pain sliced through her skull like a knife. She winced and rubbed her temples to dull the pain when suddenly, a deep, thunderous voice echoed through the room.
"It would be wise not to sit up so quickly, especially after the night you've had."
Christine turned toward the sound, and froze. Eyes the colour of dark red roses locked with hers and she felt as if all the air had escaped her lungs. Christine couldn't tear her gaze from him as he surveyed her with a serene, almost impassive expression. She could only stare, dumbstruck as she took in his alluring features; his high cheekbones and straight nose, full lips set in a broad, strong jaw. The white mask that covered the left side of his face did nothing to detract from his seductive beauty. Her gaze traveled lower, down the line of his neck where his white ruffled shirt hung open to reveal a defined, well-muscled chest. Only then did she notice the silver platter in his hands. It overflowed with succulent, red grapes and a crystal glass filled to the brim with sparkling clear water. Christine swallowed hard at the sight of it. She hadn't noticed the dryness in her mouth or the pang of hunger in her stomach.
"Where am I?" She asked, once she'd managed to tear her eyes away from him. The masked man walked over to her bed and set the platter down next to her.
"Eat first. Then I will tell you all you wish to know." He said. Christine gave him a hesitant glance. Then, obediently took a grape from the bunch and popped it into her mouth. The flavour was exquisite. She ate another and then another, taking them by the handful, then greedily gulped down the entire goblet of water. In the moment, she didn't care how improper she must look to the beautiful man standing next to her. When she finished, Christine wiped her mouth with the back of her hand.
"I see the water and grapes helped?" The man said. Christine looked up at him, noticing the smallest hint of a playful smile on his lips as he stared down at her. She averted her gaze, suddenly feeling foolish for acting like such a pig.
"Yes, Thank you." She began, and then realized she didn't know how to properly address him. "I'm sorry, Sir…I'm afraid I don't know your name?" She asked, her voice quiet.
"You may call me Erik," he said "and I can see in your face that you have many more questions, Christine."
Christine's eyes widened with surprise. How on earth did this man know her name?
"I have known you for many years." He answered her unspoken thought as he moved closer to where she lay.
"Come here." He said. His voice was soothing, yet achingly seductive as he held out his hand to her. Mesmerized, Christine lifted her body from the lush pillows and without hesitation, slipped her hand into his.
Yay, it's Winter break and I can finally upload a new chapter! I hope you liked it. I may also be changing the title, but I haven't decided yet. Just a heads up. Happy Holidays xoxoxox
