I know I'm about to get requests for longer chapters, but you guys have to understand that on my computer, this takes up three pages using 12-point Times New Roman font single-spacing. I'm not one for writing for the purpose of filling up space. I say what I think needs to be said and leave it at that. Chapters should get longer, but it all depends on what's happening in the story.

R & R.

Chapter Thirty-one: Darkness

Raoul woke groaning. His head was throbbing and his vision was blurry. It was pitch black; he couldn't see anything. "Hello?" he managed to yell. No one answered. Where am I? What happened? he wondered. He tried to recall what led him there, and then, he froze. What… who… As panic overwhelmed him, he realized what was wrong.

He couldn't remember anything.

o0o

Meg was fortunate: no policeman pulled her over for reckless driving. She sped through the streets and ignored bus stops and red lights. Each second brought Raoul closer to death. She couldn't afford to be delayed.

1987 Leroux Lane was on the other side of town, but it only took her eight minutes to reach it. She nearly jumped out of her car before parking it. Cramming her cell phone into her back pocket, she raced to the old, run-down house. The front door was unlocked, but the lights were off, surrounding her with darkness past the doorway. She warily made her way through the house. "Hello? Raoul?" she called.

No answer. She would have to venture further into the darkness. Swallowing her fear, she moved out of the light of the doorway.

o0o

Christine sat the car, her hands gripping the steering wheel as she stared at the old theater. The building was condemned and not a soul was in sight. Of course, she knew that someone was waiting inside for her in the darkness…

She sighed. She could no longer prolong the inevitable meeting. "Forgive me, Erik," she whispered. Then, she left the safety of the car and entered the abandoned theater.

As she walked through the doorway, she was met with cold air. She tried to suppress her shivering, though; she knew Buquet was nearby, probably watching her, and she wouldn't give him the satisfaction of seeing her fear. "Hello? I'm here! You can let Raoul go!"

"How nice of you to come, Miss Daaë," came a silky voice. She whirled around and saw her professor emerge from the shadows of the staircase. Christine automatically took a step backwards. "Very foolish of you, but pleasing just the same," he continued, beady black eyes boring into hers.

"You left me no choice!" she reminded him angrily. "Now, tell Andre to take Raoul to the hospital."

"I'm afraid that's impossible, Christine."

Chills ran through her. "What do you mean?" she demanded.

He only laughed. "Use your imagination." Her face paled, and he smiled sadistically. "Surely you didn't think I could let your boyfriend or your little blond friend live to tell tales? I remember you as being bright, Christine. I have you exactly where I want you. I'm not going to let you escape me this time."

Her resolve broke. She turned and ran. She barely made it to the door when she was grabbed from behind. She screamed and clawed the face of her attacker, and she managed to bite his hand. She felt a savage sort of satisfaction when he yelled in pain. Then, something struck her face, and her world went dark.

o0o

Raoul was curled up in the corner, shivering and fighting to stay conscious. If only he could stand and run, run away from the darkness! But, the pain and dizziness caused by his head rendered this impossible.

"Hello? Raoul, where are you?"

Someone was out there! He groaned as another wave of pain jolted through his body. Perhaps the owner of the voice meant to do him harm, but he needed help too badly to be cautious. "Help me!" he cried. "Please, help me!"

"I hear you!" The voice was closer now.

"Hurry!" he begged. "I'm hurt… my head…" he couldn't finish; a gasp of pain stole his voice.

He heard footsteps, and soon, a figure was before him. He couldn't make out its face due to the darkness, but he was so relieved he started crying.

"Shhh, it's alright," Meg murmured as he whimpered like a wounded puppy. She hugged him, and his arms wrapped around her tightly as though he was terrified to let go of her. She managed to extract her phone out of her pocket and dialed 911.

"911 what's your emergency?" the officer answered.

"Yes, I have a man with a head injury and possible shock," she explained urgently.

"Alright, miss. What's your location?"

"1987 Leroux Lane."

"We will be there in about ten minutes, ma'am. Try to keep him conscious and don't move him."

"Thank you!" Meg hung up and took Raoul's face in her hands. "It's going to be alright," she told him soothingly. "We're going to get you out of here." Then, she asked, "Do you mind if I turn on the light? I need to see your injury."

"Okay," he replied weakly. Meg felt along the wall until she felt a light switch. There! She turned it on and light filled the room.

Raoul looked up at her and recoiled in horror. "What's wrong?" Meg asked, alarmed by his reaction. She turned… and screamed. Professor Andre was directly behind her, blocking the doorway.

In his hand was a knife.

Posted on March 26, 2012