I sat at the organ. My mind was not allowing me to focus on my music. I began to play the familiar tune.

"Child of the wilderness,

Born into emptiness-"

My fingers hit the wrong key and I banged on my organ in frustration. I growled and threw down my pencil, pushing myself back. "Damn, damn, damn." I growled. She was all that I could think of. She captivated my mind and allowed me to focus on nothing else. It was as if my entire being was urging me to her. I longed to see her again.

Now that I had found her, it was near impossible for me to go a minute- let alone a day- without seeing her. It was as if there was very suddenly a small flame lit in my chest. It was what kept me warm, and seeing her fanned the flames. She made them stronger and brighter and warmer.

As I paced around the room, Evangela lifted her head. Her black eyes followed me around. She was used to my moods, so after a moment, she lay her head back down and ignored me, slipping back into a deep sleep. I stopped and watched as she twitched. I laughed quietly. I began to pace around again, looking for anything- any slight motivation to take my mind off of my Isabella.

"Erik." Suddenly I heard my name being called over the water.

"Who's there?" I called, already fairly certain I knew who was waiting for me on the other side.

"You know exactly who it is, now get over here."

I sighed and stepped into the boat. I pushed it away from the shore line, using the oar. It was rather difficult to row, seeing as I had just had my arm broken by those lowlife muggers. As I finally made it around the last corner and to the shore, I saw Madame Giry waiting for me.

"Good evening Madame." I called as I docked the boat. She didn't reply so I turned to face her.

Her long hair was a tangled mess and her brow was furrowed. As I walked up to her, I creased my forehead in worry.

"Is there something wrong, Madame?" I asked lightly, trying to get her to loosen up.

"Erik. Have you seen Isabella?" She asked quietly.

I immediately felt my heart drop into my stomach. The small flame in my chest sputtered and was extinguished.

"N-no Madame? Is she missing?" I asked. I was panicked, but I was trying not to let it show.

"She left the hotel very early this morning and no one has seen her since. I thought that maybe she had come to see you…"

I gulped, "No Madame I left her a note. I told her that I would not be able to see her today as I had to get my composing done…." I trailed off, trying to make sense of what I was hearing.

"She said today that she was going to explore Paris. Mon Dieu, I hope nothing happened to the poor child."

"I shall find her Madame Giry." I promised as I fastned my cloak. I would find her. Nothing would take my Isabelle away from me.

"I will meet you back at the hotel, Erik. Come there when the sun sets." She called after me as I took to the streets.

I had no clue where to start, but I had to find her. I went to random strangers and described her to them.

"Have you seen, my Isabella?" I would ask. "She's about this tall with long wavy blonde hair and mint green eyes."

"I'm sorry sir, but we have not seen her." They would respond and they would go about their business, shooting sympathetic glances back at me as I searched frantically.

All too soon the sun had fallen and I returned to the hotel. I hung my head and held back tears as they welled in my eyes.

My crestfallen face must have said it all, because Madame Giry asked no questions as I made my way to Isabella's room. I hung my cloak on a peg and went to her bed. I lay upon it and curled tightly under the covers. Now that I was alone, I allowed the tears to fall. They rolled slowly down my face as I took in her scent. Violets and a hint of perfume.

After some time, I slipped into an uneasy sleep. I dreamt of us, curled up together on the couch in my lair. I felt a happy sensation sweep over me as I watched the little seen.

Suddenly all of the candles sputtered out and we were enveloped in complete darkness. The warm, happy feeling left me. As suddenly as they had been swept out, the candles were lighted again. I, however was all alone in a big empty room.

A menacing voice drifted from the shadows.

"Learn to be lonely…."

I woke with a start and sat up. As I sat there, panting, with the tears rolling down my cheeks, I made a vow. "I will find you Isabella. I promise you, I will find you."