Erik glared at Raoul as he took aim. The viscount clamped down on Christine desperately, yanking her behind him. She gripped his right arm, pressing her chin into his shoulder.
"Please," She begged, "just let it go."
His hand faltered, lowering the gun for half a second. She sighed, thinking he was listening for once. When his hand tightened on the grip and he aimed truer she whimpered.
Raoul held his hands up in surrender, "I understand. It would drive me mad to see her with anyone else, but it's her decision. Please…"
The Phantom shook his head, "You understand nothing." He took a step forward, the barrel of the gun aimed right at Raoul's heart.
"No!" Christine yelled, running in front of him. Erik paused, remember her question from earlier.
Would you have done it? Killed me?
His hand shook. He couldn't watch her leave with someone else. It would tear him apart. The sound of pounding feet behind them cause all three to turn. The search party had caught up with them. Christine ran forward and pushed The Phantom away. "Go! Run!"
His brow creased as he looked at her in confusion, "I thought you wanted me to be found?"
She shook her head as Raoul pulled her back to him, "I only wanted to be free. Go!"
He hesitated only a moment longer before he sprinted down the corridor and away from her. Turning around she wrapped her arms around Raoul's neck. He sighed, burrowing his head in her neck. "Thank God."
She kissed him, but broke away long enough to look in the direction Erik had run. In her heart she knew she would see him again. This… was only the beginning.