If Christine was afraid about where Erik was taking her, she never let on. The moment she grasped his hand she felt mesmerized. She didn't care where he led her, all she knew was in that moment, she would follow him anywhere. As they traveled, they barely spoke to one another. This was fine considering both of them were consumed with their inner thoughts.

What am I thinking, taking her below ground? She's bound to think I'm out of my wit. Yes, this place is acceptable for me, but for her? She'll be repulsed if she witnesses all my most scared dreams. We should stop and go back…And yet I can't. I can't think if a place more perfect to take her. I know it's impossible, but maybe if she saw this side of me…

I know I don't deserve such kindness from my Angel, but the moment he reached for me I couldn't say no, much less stay still while he swept me through the city. I had no idea where he was taking me. Moreover, I didn't care. Just to feel safe like that…Just to see such adoration in his eyes for me. He makes me believe I can find the light inside of me again. Imagine I'm finally going someplace that used to be his. He's allowing me to see his world. God in heaven, please shield him from my awful truth. Don't take this away, not yet.

She heard his voice and was brought back to the moment. She had been inside her head the entire way, lost in thought when she realized they were outside looking at a strange door, belong to the Opera House.

"Erik, why are we here?"

He smiled. "Still trust your Angel?"

She nodded without fail and it warmed his heart. "There are other ways to get inside and go down below. Once we arrive I will show you, but if you ever were to come and go from the city streets, this door is the only outlet. Remember it, for if you don't know of its existence, it won't be visible to the untrained eye."

She backed away and looked up and down at the door. She then looked both to her left and right, nodding her understanding to Erik, after she had visualized the opening.

"Take this key." He slipped it into her hand, regretfully letting go of her fingertips. He realized it was the first time he let go since they left her room. Dear God, I can't believe I kept her that close this whole time. No wonder she looked aloof and silent. She was afraid. He whisked away, wishing he could torture himself for being selfish and allowing her to feel discomfort. This isn't about me. All of this is for her. I need to stay focused. Curse my heart for its weakness.

He saw her eyes widen in fear. "Erik, what's wrong?"

He shook his head. Why are all my good intentions plagued with her having that look? "Nothing, Christine. I was being foolish, but no more." He let out a deep breath. "Let's see your new home, shall we?"

He carefully guided her in the darkness. "In time, your eyes will get accustomed to the dark passageways. That is, if you choose to make this your home. Then you'll have to learn how to manage the boat.

"The boat?"

He continued. "Once you're down below, there will be plenty of light and you won't need the boat unless you are traveling up."

"Erik…."

"I know this is stranger than you could dream it, but I lived in the shadows for a long time. Partly, because of my own self-doubt, and partly because I had no choice." He could sense her trying to feel her way without him. "Don't struggle too much. You can use a lantern too."

She stopped. "Then why would you go through all that? Why not just light the lantern?"

He started to get flustered. "I don't have one here yet. I didn't foresee bringing anyone down here." He turned to look at the outline of her frame. "I guess I didn't think things through."

She chuckled and soon it grew into a full laugh. "You did this to spook me. You're wicked!"

He raised his eyebrow and then thought about how the whole situation sounded. "Well, you can't say other men have been so ….creative when taking females to their place, right?" He surprised them both with his joke and when he heard Christine laugh once more, he relaxed and as he sensed the mood change.

"We're going to enter the boat now. May I help you in?"

"I trust you, Erik. I have always trusted you." She allowed him to guide her into the boat.

I will never betray that trust, Angel. No matter what. "Now once we get to land, you must be absolutely honest and tell me what you think. You won't hurt my feelings. If you don't like it we'll find you someplace else."

"Erik you don't have to do this."

"I cannot permit you to return to that establishment. You can't rest properly there. If not for yourself, think of the ballet and the music. You need to be at your best for both."

She didn't protest. She actually hoped a change would allow her to break free of her nightmares. Perhaps, Erik's home would be a fresh start. Why is he always able to make the bad go away?

Erik docked the boat and he started to shake inside. He had a million questions in his head all of which would be answered by the expression on her face. He helped her out of the boat, and then proceeded to take her inside.

"Now then, this was my home…..Still is, but I would not disturb you. You will have your own rooms and privacy. We would only share the kitchen, and trust me Christine I reside with Antoinette and Meg now, so you will rarely see me."

She didn't hear his words for she was too awestruck to hear him. The house by the lake seemed to go on and on. She couldn't believe how large the first floor was. She saw six rooms all within view and then a staircase leading to the second floor and who knows how many rooms awaited there. The colors were of bright reds, golds, blacks and tints of greens. Alone, the colors may have seemed off, but fused together, they were remarkable. She walked aimlessly and saw a library with books reaching up to what seemed like the ceiling.

"Erik did you read all of these books?"

"Yes." He answered her a few steps behind, still holding his breath.

She started at him. "When did you find the time?"

He shrugged his shoulders. "One must find ways to occupy his time. When you've been alone for as long as I have you crave….distractions and knowledge. I don't regret my education."

"Erik, I didn't mean to make you sad. I'm just so overwhelmed. Everything is so beautiful."

He couldn't have heard her correctly. "Beautiful? You think my world is beautiful?"

"How could one not? The furniture, the colors, the way everything is placed. You took so much care. You're in every design. How could it not be beautiful?"

He turned away to stop his eyes from tearing up. "You must see the piano room and of course select your bedroom. My room is in the far back. There is one by the piano room, and another three upstairs."

"Three? Were you the only one here?"

He nodded and turned around. "My sanctuary, remember? I don't do anything small."

"My larger than life, Angel." She smiled.

"So, do you want to see the upstairs?"

"There is no need, Erik. I will take the room closest to your piano, if it is alright with you."

"Are you sure, Christine? True, I don't reside here often but when I'm inclined to play or compose, I'm afraid that this room is my domain. No doubt, you will see it as a bother."

"Never. Your music is a comfort to me, as you are a comfort to me. Tell me, did you reside here when you were teaching me before?"

"Yes", he whispered. "I felt it necessary to be close at hand in the event you…. Well, after you left there was no need…I had originally built it to reside in when I came back from Persia, but then Antoinette needed me and Megan…. I don't regret being there for them."

"But I stood in the way."

"Of course not! I was there for my family and you were a part of that family."

She smiled acknowledging their relationship and how much it meant to her. "Erik, you said this was your home. I don't want to intrude on that fact. You must still treat this as your home."

He replied softly."I told you I would."

"You must feel free to abandon your mask when are at home. That means whether I am here or not."

"No!" He shook his head relentlessly.

"If I am family as Meg and Madame Giry, then I expect nothing less, Angel."

He was taken completely off guard. When Erik felt vulnerable, his temper was his shield."You don't know what you're asking." He started to pace and shouted. "You feel compelled to offer up some kindness, as a means of repayment! I assure I require no payment for my actions. It is for the music and for the art alone! Don't pity me, Christine Daae. I will never stand pity from anyone, especially from you!"

She was nervous, but still felt safe in his presence, even if he was yelling. "Please, Angel. I'm not making conditions. The choice is yours, but I want you to know that it is indeed your choice. I am will accept it, if you do not wish to show me, but I will also embrace your decision if you decide to trust me."

She sounds sincere. Her eyes do not seem misleading. He steadied himself. "Thank you, but then you must allow me to determine the timeline."

"Agreed."

He shuffle his feet. "So are you moving in?" He wanted to leave on better terms.

Without thinking, she jumped up and threw her arms around his neck."Thank you, Angel, Thank you!"

He pulled away, in shock by her willingness to touch him. She felt embarrassed when she saw his reaction, thinking he could feel her shame. He spoke to avoid the silence.

"No need, my dear. Now if you will excuse me. I will take my leave." He started to walk away.

"Erik!"

"Yes?" He stood to the side, allowing his unmasked side to show.

"I...I have nothing packed to stay here tonight."

He offered up the slightest smile. "Look in the room beside the piano. I took the liberty of packing a few things. I had a feeling you would want that room."

"How did…" She laughed. "My magician."

"Indeed. Goodnight, Christine." This time he didn't get more than an inch away when she called for him again.

"Erik?"

"Do you not like going to sleep when asked?" He wondered why she still wanted him there.

"Aren't you going to show me the other ways to maneuver in and out of here? It's a maze. I'll get lost fetching a glass of water in the night. I demand to know my surroundings, Monsieur and you promised. She grinned.

He crossed his arms and thought for a moment. "Are you up for a game of hide and seek?"