A/N: I am sooo sorry I haven't updated in a while. Forgive me, I have been busy! So tell me what you think.

Cries of outrage and screams of fear pursued Christine as she ran from backstage to her dressing room. She heard Monsieur Firmin trying desperately to calm the crowd, but it was no use. This event would be in all of the Paris newspapers by tomorrow. Dark shadows whispered to her as she fled. She thought she heard footsteps behind her and whirled around. The hall was empty. There was only darkness. Her hand went to her heart. It was beating so fast. She rested her back against the cold stone wall. The dim lighting from the kerosene lamps cast a misty hazy glow on the grey stone walls. Shadows blended with shadows. The darkness frightened her, but in her flight she hadn't noticed how overbearing it was. It pressed down on her from all sides. A pair of golden eyes emerged from the darkness. Her mouth opened to scream, but nothing emerged. Her fingers curled around the sharp rocks that made up the wall.

"Erik." She whispered. Her skin had gone cold.

"Christine." He said softly, emerging from the shadows. She could now see his entire body.

"What have you done?" She asked hoarsely. She saw him frown at her.

"What do you mean?" He took a step closer.

"You...You....killed Joseph Buquet." She whispered fearfully. Her voice and wide eyes gave away to him that she was frightened.

"I did it for you." He said softly. Erik was now only inches away from her face. She could feel his eyes boring into her. "Does this not please you?"

She shook her head violently as if not believing what was happening. "No." Christine said softly. She looked away from him.

"Why do you look away?" He asked her. "Look at me." Erik commanded softly. She did not raise her eyes. "I am masked. You have nothing to fear."

"It is not your face I fear...It is you."

"You fear me?" Erik's voice had a mixture of shock and anger. "Never say that again." He said hoarsely.

"It is the truth!" Christine said bravely turning away from him. "Why can't I speak my mind without you becoming angry? Why can't I touch you without you becoming frightened that I will hurt you? Why can't you...you trust me?" She asked angrily. He did not flinch. His eyes stayed the same intensity of golden yellow. He wasn't angry anymore. In his own eyes he was defeated.

"You are incredibly foolish to believe that I would ever trust you again, Christine." Erik's eyes narrowed. His hand went to his mask. She was frightened that he was going to rip it off, but he did not. He looked away for a moment. "You...like everyone else have betrayed me." Hatred burned in his eyes. But the hatred was not for her. It was the world. Shame burned in her heart. Her cheeks flushed red. In the dimly lit hall she could make out Erik's face and body. His mouth was set in a thin line, and his eyes were closed. His hands were clenched tightly. He was right. She was nothing but a liar. She had promised she would never hurt him in her heart and yet she had! She could say nothing. Erik's black form merged with the darkness. His eyes opened and his gaze fell upon her. It was as if he was seeing her, without realizing she was truly there.

"You're so beautiful," He whispered distantly. "Never have I seen someone so innocent." He reached up to brush a curl away. Christine closed her eyes and she felt her body become rigid. She opened her eyes when she realized she felt nothing. His hand was lingering in the air only inches away from her. It was shaking. "Christine." He whispered. Then suddenly he was gone. She looked around her, but all she saw was shadow. "Christine." He whispered again. She saw nothing. Her body was trembling with fright. Her heart was beating rapidly. She turned and ran on...

"Monsieur?" Madame Giry's voice filled Box Five. Raoul and his brother Philippe turned in the plush red velvet seats. She gazed at them icily. They were in her master's box.

"Madame Giry. What a pleasant surprise." Raoul smiled gently at the woman. Both he and Philippe stood.

"I have a note from Mademoiselle Daae."

"You do?" Raoul got up as slowly as he could muster. He could hardly contain his excitement.

"Yes." Madame Giry extended her hand to reveal a white envelope with his name on it. He recognized Christine's delicate handwriting.

"Thank you, Madame. I greatly appreciate it."

"I'm sure you do." She replied coldly. "But if you please, Mademoiselle Daae wished for a reply."

"Oh! Of course." Raoul swiftly opened the envelope and read the letter. His heart relished the words that were written on the page. "Tell her I will come at the mentioned time."

"Very well. I shall relay the message." She showed a glimmer of a smile and then promptly left the box.

"Where may I ask are you going?" Philippe asked his younger brother. He sat back down and raised an eyebrow.

"Merely a pressing social engagement." The young Vicomte merely smiled.

"Interesting... I suppose you will not be attending the dinner that Countess Bella is holding for her youngest daughter?"

"No." Raoul said firmly.

"Is it a girl again?"

"It might be."

"Raoul. You know I love you very much. I'm not sure that giving your...might I add...very wealthy heart away is very wise."

"I love Christine."

"Oh yes. That was the girl's name."

"You have seen her. I pointed her out to you." Raoul said breathlessly.

"She is quite beautiful. I can understand why you are taken with her."

"Why are we arguing about this then?" Raoul questioned his older brother good naturedly. His gaze traveled over the empty stage. The wealthy patrons of the opera were filling out, while some were still seated talking animatedly about the night's events.

"Let me say something that a normal older brother wouldn't try to communicate. Are you listening?"

"Of course. I always do." Raoul smiled.

"Of that I am quite doubtful." Philippe said with a laugh. "I am talking to you as a friend now, Raoul. If you love her, than God grant you happiness in life...but if this is merely another fling, I plead with you not to break the girl's heart."

"I promise you...I love her more than anything." Raoul

"I trust you." Philippe said placing his hand on his brother's back. "Be careful with her heart."

"I will, and she will not regret it in the end." Raoul smiled gently. "She loves me also."

"Has she said this?"

"Well...no...but I can see it in her eyes and the way she looks at me."

"I hope God blesses you both." Philippe said standing up. "If you will excuse me, I must go extend your condolences with Countess Bella."

"Have a lovely time trying to explain my absence. Tell me what lie you will tell!" Raoul laughed.

"I shall tell her you had to stay home and nurse a kitten back to health." Philippe smiled.

"Very clever." Raoul nodded.

"Go, fly to your love's waiting arms." He said softly.

"I will." Raoul said thankfully as he rushed away. Philippe watched silently as his brother left.