Erik's POV.

I sit in my usual box number 5, gazing upon the scene of Collotta trying desperately to reach the high notes during the aria of Think Of Me. I chuckle and check the precious pocket watch, only five minutes till I will make it so that Collotta will not come back to the Opera, I get up from the plush velvet chair and begin to hum one of the haunting melodies Anastasia played last night. I open up the false column and begin to make my way up to the flies, my mind wandering to the reason Anastasia would play such morbid songs… Is there something going on that I don't know about? Is she hurting inside like me? Why would she be hurting? My fist clenches in anger at the idea of her hurting or someone hurting her.

I let out a breath and force myself to calm down. I have to focus on the task of cutting down the scene so the heavy canvas falls down on Collotta, making her have one of her famous "Prima Donna meltdowns". I have a few minutes to watch Christine dance the slave ballet before letting my plan come into play, I smile as I see the new Patron and owners of the opera walk in. They will hopefully be easy to control or manipulate. If they aren't I'm sure I can easily persuade them to be. I cut down the scene and flee before the baffoon of Buquet can arrive up to where he should be. I open one of my many many trap doors and proceed down to my lair. I hope Anastasia is awake and ready for conversation, I yearn for someone to have an intelligent conversation with right now. I lay the pocket watch down on the piano in front of me and open up the cover before speaking.

Anastasia's POV

I awake to the sound of the rehearsals, my brow furrowing as I hear the lead soprano struggling to hit the high notes in the song. How I wish Erik wouldn't drag me to these things, the soprano's voice is awful from the years of wear and tear on it. She obviously doesn't know how to properly sing from her diaphragm rather than her throat. Well seeing as I won't be getting any sleep soon I get up and begin to get ready for the day. I fill the tub with hot water and ease my sore body down into it, my mind reminiscing back to my days in the family villa. The sun shining down on my face, the wonderful servants helping me get ready in the mornings, my long walks in the maze behind out house,the private lessons and tutoring I received during the day, talking with great scholars and scientists. Most of all my siblings, watching them grow up day by day. My parents, talking over finances and future husbands with them. I hardly notice that I had somehow gotten ready and dressed while sucked into my thoughts

I miss having intelligent conversations. Sure the gypsies were smart, but not that smart. They had more street smarts rather than book smarts.

"Anastasia." I hear Erik's deep, rich, heavenly voice call out to me. I hardly notice as my feet fly up the stairs and through the dial.

"I'm here Erik" I reply, stepping up and into the face of the watch, gazing out the crystal at his handsome chiseled face.

"That makes me so glad, my dear, I was hoping you would be up for some companionship." He replies, the shadow of a blush appearing on his one visible cheek.

"Why of course Erik, I always enjoy your company." I retort, my own cheeks going a light pink as he smiles a great big smile.

Hello readers! I'm finally back! School took over my life and my wedding is about to . I will try my hardest to update more often so you all can enjoy this story! Please don't be afraid to review or private message me with suggestions!