Sophia's POV
The curtains were drawn back, and the whole stage was darned in blue lighting with the exception of the spotlight that was fixated on me. The music was playing, luscious string melody filling the amphitheater and my ears. I looked to my right, seeing Erik in the wings, and standing behind him was Isabella. I was surprised to see her watching me, after everything that had happened. To my left was Drake, standing there nervously as he waited, watching me intently. I could tell that he longed to reach for me, to pull me off of the stage and take me away. I didn't have time to look for Christine; I assumed that she was still wandering around backstage. I took my attention and focus back to the audience as the intro began to wrap up. I opened my mouth to sing…but nothing came out. At first, I thought my voice cracked. Then I thought that I had forgotten the words. What was happening to me? I have never gotten nervous before, or stage-fright for that matter. I was failing. I had to run.

Then, a voice came through my mind. A gentle voice that was soothing and angelic. A voice that sounded similar to mine. Sophia, let me take over. You have nothing to fear. Just stay where you are.

I took another breath as I felt a comforting wave wash over me, followed by another wave of nervousness and confidence. I breathed. Then I began to sing.

Erik's POV
I watched her as she struggled with herself, contemplating on whether or not to sing. I could tell that she wanted to bolt. I wanted to go out there and take her off of the stage, and tell her that everything was going to be okay. Suddenly, she began to sing.

Who knows when love begins?
Who knows what makes it start?
One day, it's simply there
Alive inside your heart

It slips into your thoughts
It infiltrates your soul
It takes you by surprise
Then seizes full control

Try to deny it
And try to protest
But love won't let you go
Once you've been possessed…

I couldn't believe it. It was like someone had taken her over, given her the confidence to sing. I smiled as I listened to her sing, thinking that the great Christine Daae would be proud. She turned, looking at Drake for a moment, then back at the audience before she began to sing again.

Love never dies
Love never falters
Once it has spoken
Love is yours

Love never dies
Love never alters
Hearts may get broken
Love and yours

Hearts may get broken
Love and yours…

I glanced out at the audience. They were completely enthralled with her, as was I. I felt Isabella's hand on my shoulder, leaning up to whisper in my ear. "She really is quite beautiful. I hope that the three of you will be very happy together." I heard her footsteps retreating backstage, but my focus was on Sophia. My Sophia and her song.

As soon as you submit
Surrender flesh and bone
That love takes on a life
Much bigger than your own

It uses you at will
And drives you to despair
And forces you to feel
More joy than you can bear

Love gives you pleasure
And love brings you pain
And yet, when both are gone
Love will still remain…

She looked at me while the music played. She breathed softly, and then she smiled at me. She had chosen me. I watched her as she turned to Drake, shaking her head as she sang the next line.

Once it has spoken
Love is yours

Love never dies
Love never alters
Hearts may get broken
Love and yours

Hearts may get broken…

Drake hung his head, falling back into the shadows and retreating from sight. The music swelled and Sophie stepped forward, her voice filled with such power and emotion. The Sophia that I knew so long ago had returned. She had finally let go of whatever hold he had left on her. And she was mine.

Love never dies
Love will continue
Love keeps on beating
When you're gone

Love never dies
Once it is in you
Love may be fleeting
Love lives on

Love may be fleeting
Love lives on

She and the orchestra held their final note until they were cut off by the conductor. As soon as the music ceased, cheers and applause filled the theater. She walked to each side of the stage, taking her bows. She came to the center and bowed once more, just as the curtain closed. I ran out to the stage, and she ran to me, leaping into my arms. I spun her around the stage, kissing her as my hand entangled itself in her hair. I carried her back to her dressing room, opening the door and setting her down. "You did wonderful tonight," I told her before kissing her again. "Now, you go and get ready for the Monster's Ball. I'll wait right out here."

Sophia's POV
I smiled happily as I turned about the room, heading to the bathroom and quickly changing into the red gown for the monster's ball. When I came back out, I exchanged the sapphires for the rubies at the vanity, touching up my make-up. I looked down on the vanity, seeing an envelope addressed to me. I sat down, opening the envelope and pulled out a letter from Drake. As I read it, I heard the door open and Erik's footsteps behind me.

"My Dearest Sophie,

Little darling, I beg you to forgive me. What fools we once were, long ago in our youth in Paris, high school…everything. Now, I must go; our choices are made. The opera is done, and the last notes have been played. May your Angel of Music watch over you now, and may he give you what I wish I gave you somehow.

Yours in Regret,

Drake"

I felt Erik's hands on my shoulders, and his lips kissing the top of my head. I folded the letter, setting it on the vanity. Suddenly, I froze. My whole body went ridged, and breathed in a panic. Erik sensed the change, backing away from me.

"What is it? What's wrong?"

"Christine. She was backstage. I didn't see her with you. She was meant to find you."