A/N: Thank you to all who reviewed! My little blackberry went crazy and it kept the smile on my face all weekend.

I had hoped to get this chapter up sooner, but unfortunately I was bit by a HORSE FLY (of all things!!!) while out camping over the weekend and suffered a severe allergic reaction which has kept me drugged on antihistamines for three days. Sheesh!

Anyway, here it is. ENJOY! ~J

Chapter 9 – Darkness

The air was crisp and frigid as Erik skulked his way from the opera to Rue de Rivoli. The sky was pitch black and cloudless, the relentless storms of the past week finally receding.

A few citizens were out and about, taking advantage of the break in the weather. He was careful to pull down the brim of his hat and avert his gaze as he hustled past them.

Soon enough, he stood at the door to Nadir's flat. He rang the bell, stomping his feet to keep them warm while he waited. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the heavy wooden door opened a crack and Erik could see a wary eye surveying the scene. It lit up with a spark of recognition and Darius widened the gap with a dull "Good evening, Sir."

Erik ducked inside and Darius ushered him into the same small living room that he had last seen Nadir in, closing the door quietly behind him. He set his hat down but did not immediately take off his cloak. He peeled off his gloves and walked over to the fire, kneeling down to warm his frozen fingers. It was in this position that Nadir found him as he burst into the room.

"YOU!" Nadir roared. "I was wondering when you were going to slink back through my door!"

"Good evening to you as well Daroga," Erik said evenly, not looking at him.

"Do you have anything to say for yourself?"

"About what?" Erik countered. "My God, let a man warm his bones. It's quite chilly outside."

Furious, Nadir slammed a newspaper down on the table, knocking Erik's fedora off in the process. "What were you thinking?"

Erik glanced over to where his hat had come to rest. Nadir usually wasn't prone to showing so much anger. He had killed men for far lesser impudence. Only Nadir could speak to him in such a manner and hope to live.

Nonetheless he rose, his cloak unfurling around him, lending him a menacing quality. Nadir stood his ground. He snatched the paper and read the ghastly headline printed in large bold letters as Nadir continued to fume.

"I had no idea your intentions were to kill the Vicomte when I helped you concoct this ridiculous scheme.

Erik's back stiffened as his fingers clutched the paper.

"What happened? Could you not take her final rejection, so you succeeded in eliminating your competition once and for all? Where is she?!"

Erik snarled and his golden eyes blazed fire as he seized Nadir by the collar and pushed in against the wall. Raising him up so he was level, he brought his face close as he growled, "Watch what you say, Daroga!"

Nadir put his arms up in a gesture of the innocent. "May Allah have mercy on you. I should never have agreed to help you."

Erik abruptly let go of him and he slumped down the wall. Rising awkwardly, he attempted to brush down his shirt. He watched as Erik returned to the hearth, spanning his arms across the mantle, his cloak spreading out like some dark creature of the night.

"I have already had the authorities here questioning me," Nadir said in an exasperated tone.

Erik spun around, his mask unable to hide the fear that crept into his eyes.

"What did you tell them?" he demanded.

"I told them you were dead."

A breath of relief escaped from Erik's lips. He walked over to the chair and flopped into with all the grace of an elephant.

"I did not kill the boy. Oh God Daroga do not look at me like that! The rouse worked, she came to me. But after many heated words and hurt feelings she left."

"You let her go?"

"Damn it, yes!" yelled Erik. "Why is it so hard for you to believe that I can act like a gentleman?"

Nadir only pressed his lips together and made a motion with his hand for him to continue.

"I was reluctant to let her leave with an image of me being so angry and hateful, so I went after her," he continued. "And that's when I found her, buried in a snow drift, bleeding from a gunshot wound."

Erik placed his hands over his face and muttered with agony in his voice, "They killed the boy, and they almost succeeded in killing her."

"Where is she now?"

"Safe. In my home." Erik wiped a fugitive tear from his eye and stood up resolutely.

"That is why I came to you. I need medical supplies and any information you may have on who could have perpetrated this crime. Christine says there were three of them, and although two didn't speak, she was sure they were English."

The room grew silent. For a few awkward moments the two men just stared at each other.

"I'm sorry I doubted you, my friend." Nadir said, slapping Erik on the back. "Of course I will assist you in any way I can."

He walked over to the door and signaled for Darius. Soon after Erik was carrying a bundle of medical supplies and hurrying to finish his other errands so he could get back to Christine.

XXXXXXXX

Daniel hurried down the deserted street towards the inn, almost breaking into a run. He could not believe his stroke of good luck.

He strode through the door, his chest puffed out in front of him. The innkeeper looked up at him, giving him a lazy smile before returning his attention to the guest register. In the kitchen his wife could be heard banging pots and pans, preparing the evening meal.

Daniel clambered up the stairs to the room and shut the door with glee. Ralph and Henry jumped at the noise. They were huddled around a small table playing cards. A thick haze hung in the air from their cigarette smoke.

"Nadir Khan," Daniel blurted, placing his hands on his knees while leaning over to catch his breath.

"Who?" Ralph queried.

Daniel held a finger up, signaling that it would be a moment. When he had sufficiently pulled enough air into his lungs he continued.

"It just so happens that I was privy to the conversation a couple of bobbies – oh excuse me gendarmes" he said, exaggerating the French accent, "were having about the terrible tragedy of the Chagny murder."

"What? You were that close to law enforcement?" Ralph exclaimed.

"Wait a minute, wait a minute! I was minding my own business and they walked by chit-chatting. They never even saw me."

"So who is this Nadir Khan?" Ralph asked.

"If you would shut up for two seconds I could tell you!" Daniel shouted. He grabbed the empty chair and swung it around so that it was sitting away from the table. Straddling it, he sat down, propped his elbows on the back and leaned into the table.

"It all relates to this Opera Ghost fella'. Damned if I know who he is, but apparently the whole Chagny family was mixed up in it. Now, the first place the bobbies go is over to this Nadir's house. I'm thinking this guy might know where to find the fiancé." Daniel finished. "And I think we should pay him a visit."

XXXXXXXX

"You're cheating," Nadir said with a good natured laugh.

Darius gave him the most innocent of looks as he idly fingered the chess piece. Nadir was about to explain to him how he'd been caught when a loud rap sounded at the door.

"I wonder who could be calling this late," Nadir mused, focusing on the mantle clock. "I do hope Erik hasn't found more trouble. Better go see who it is, Darius."

Darius got up and disappeared. Nadir could hear muffled voices from the entryway. A moment later he returned, lead into the room by a man whose hand was clutching his throat. On his face was regret and sheer terror.

"Nadir Khan, I presume?" the man asked.

"Yes," he said guardedly. "Release my servant and perhaps I can be of service to you."

The man only laughed as he was joined by two other men. Nadir felt an ice cold trail of fear trickle down his spine.

"Where can I find the Opera Ghost?"

"The Opera Ghost is dead." Nadir replied.

"Oh that's a shame, ain't it boys?" the man tsk'd. "I was hoping he could send a message to the fiancé of that poor Chagny chap." He gave a sinister laugh. "Guess you will have to do that for me instead."

Darius clamped his eyes shut and Nadir's widened as the three men closed in around him.

XXXXXXXX

Erik found Christine seated in the living room when he returned.

"I thought I made it clear that you were supposed to stay in bed," he patronized.

No answer.

"Christine?"

Erik came around the chair to find her asleep, an open book perched precariously on her lap. He went to move her when the book slipped off and landed on the floor with a thud. She woke with a start.

"Oh! Erik, you frightened me! Well, w-hat I meant to say is that I was not expecting you."

"I know what you meant," he said softly. "Would you like me to help you to bed?"

"I'd rather not, if you don't mind," she said. "It's refreshing to have a change or scenery. I would very much like to remain here for a while."

"Are you sure you feel up to it?" he asked pensively, picking up the book and setting it on the table.

She nodded. "I will tell you when I feel that I need rest."

"Very well. What would you like to do, Christine?"

"Will you play for me?" she inquired.

Erik bowed slightly and walked over to the organ. He sat down and immediately immersed himself in a song that he used to sing to Christine when she knew him only as the Angel of Music. The melody floated to her and she closed her eyes, allowing the music to carry her away on waves of pure sound. He sang of love, innocent and sweet. His voice wrapped around her like a warm cocoon, and she swayed slightly in her seat.

Suddenly he stopped, the last note reverberating around the room as it died away. Christine's eyes reluctantly fluttered open. She didn't want him to stop.

"Would you care to join me for dinner?" he asked.

A smile spread across her face that lit up her eyes. "I'd be delighted to," she responded.

"Splendid. If you look over there," he said gesturing to a white box she hadn't noticed sitting by the door, "you will find everything you need to attend."

She got up carefully and went to retrieve the box. Lifting the lid she discovered a beautiful lavender robe settled against the crisp white paper. With a squeal she pulled it out and hugged it to her. It was made of shining silk, accented with white lace on the sleeves and around the collar. Tiny yellow roses decorated the edges of the lace.

"Oh Erik, it's exquisite!"

He smiled back at her, buoyed by her joy. "I'm glad you like it my dear. Beside the box you will also find the necessary supplies to take care of your injury. I will give you half an hour to get ready, after which I will meet you back here for dinner."

Before he knew what she was doing, she hobbled across the room and planted a quick kiss on his masked cheek.

"Thank you Erik," she said before she scurried off, robe in hand. He brought a hand up to the cool leather as he watched her leave.

Fifteen minutes later Christine flitted about the room. She had freshened up, set her hair as best she could without a mirror, and attempted to replace her bandage. But she was dismayed to find she couldn't locate a pair of scissors to cut it with.

Not wanting to enlist the aid of Erik, she resorted to looking through the drawers of his bureau. Feeling guilty and afraid she would be caught, she was relieved when she found them in the second drawer. She plucked them out and was about to slam the drawer closed when a flash of light caught her eye.

Intrigued, she pulled the drawer back open and glanced around for the glistening object. Nestled against a handkerchief was a small gold ring. The same gold ring that Erik had given to her and she later returned before she left with Raoul.

She debated only for a second before she picked it up and placed it on her ring finger. She snipped off the excess bandage and tied her robe closed. Adjusting her hair one last time, she opened the door and went back to the living room.

The lamps had been turned down low and a fire crackled in the hearth, casting an orange glow over the furniture. The chair had been pushed aside and in its place was a small round table with a burgundy table cloth and two chairs. The two slender candles that sat on top gave the room a romantic feeling. The aroma that permeated the air made her stomach churn with anticipation.

Erik stood near the organ, his back turned to Christine. She could tell immediately that he had changed into full evening dress. Upon hearing her enter, he swung around gracefully, meeting her eyes with a long penetrating gaze. The firelight danced off his black hair and softened the edges of the mask. Her breath caught in her throat at the sight of his tall, sleek form, finding something alluring in the way the low light complemented his figure.

"Good evening, Christine." He said formally, pulling out a chair for her to sit. She walked over to him and gave him her hand, allowing him to assist her to the table.

"It smells delicious Erik," she said quietly as Erik poured wine into her glass.

They ate in relative silence, feasting on roasted chicken with cabbage, soft bread and white wine. Both would steal furtive glances at one another. Every time their eyes would meet, they would smile shyly and look away, unsure of how to proceed.

When dinner was finished, Christine rose and began collecting the dishes. Erik, who had been nervously swishing the wine in his glass, jumped up and placed a restraining hand over hers.

"I did not invite you to dinner with the expectation that you were to clean up. Leave them," he said. He took her by the hand and lead her away from the table.

"You look beautiful tonight," Erik said after an awkward moment.

"Thank you," she murmured.

Still holding her hands he began to run his thumbs across the top of her fingers. He stopped when his thumb caressed a hard, cool object. His eyes narrowed slightly as he looked down and brought her left hand up to examine it. The gold sparkled, reflecting in the candle light. He felt his mouth go dry, but he could not tear himself away from the ring.

"D-don't be angry Erik," Christine whispered.

His head jerked up. Angry? You wear my ring and you thinkthat I would be angry?? He opened his mouth to protest but no words came out.

"I-I was looking for scissors a-and I found it. I thought-"

Erik silenced her rambling by placing his lips over hers. Christine's eyes widened with surprised, but she didn't pull away. Erik broke the kiss, out of breath as he desperately searched her eyes for a reaction. She smiled warmly at him and stepped closer. Slowly, one hand and then the other threaded around his waist. He cupped her face with both his hands and once again sought her lips.

This kiss was more passionate than the first. Christine parted her lips and grazed his own with the tip of her tongue. Growing bolder from her desire, he opened his lips and let his tongue mingle with hers as his long finger tangled in her hair. Christine's hands were insistent on his back as she melted in his embrace, afraid to let go.

Finally the parted, their ragged breathing the only sound that could be heard. Although Erik's blood pounded in his ears, distantly he heard the sound of an alarm. Snapping out of the euphoria, he focused on the sound and realized it was the alarm that someone was on the shore of the lake.

"Wait here," he told Christine, all the tenderness gone from his voice. She detected an edge to it and her heart rose to her throat with dread.

Erik grabbed the punjab lasso and left the room. When he reached the bank, he scanned the darkness with his cat-like eyes. He could see two shadows in the murky distance. His fingers automatically coiled around the rope, ready to strike.

Wanting the advantage of surprise, he waited in the dark for the shadows to cross his path. They were almost upon him and he could see one was hunched over, held steady by the other.

"Not too much farther I hope, Master," came the unmistakable voice of Darius.

Erik's heart constricted in his chest as he stepped out of the shadows and set eyes on Nadir. There wasn't a lot of light, but he could see that Nadir's face was bloody and his left arm appeared to be broken.

"Good God friend, what happened?" he asked in alarm.

Nadir looked up at him through eyes that were almost swollen shut.

"I have a message for you."