WELL, I didn't get very many reviews. . .I'm not sure if it's because this update came quick, or what, but please review, my loved reviewers! So, if you're confused by what is going on once you start reading, it's a possibility that you missed my last chapter, because I DID update quicker than usual. . .Soo, make sure to check into the last one, just to be safe.

Erik: I'll Punjab them if they don't review.

Me: No, no, Erik! Don't you remember the rule? You only Punjab if someone flames.

Erik: *Grumbles*

Me: Ooh, hey, we still owe you hugs!

Erik: W-What? O.o'

*All Phan-girls come running*

Erik: NOOO!

I really didn't know what to call this chapter, so I named it after half of a lyric from the Phantom of the Opera – Of course, the Music of the Night! My number one favorite poto song! *Hearts in eyes*

Well, I do not own the Phantom of the Opera – or Music of the Night, which, of course, is part of the Phantom of the Opera. I only own my OC Clare.

Enjoy!

. . .

Clare,

I am terribly sorry for taking your letters. I hadn't realized that they were that important to you, but important or not, I still had no right to intrude, and I hope you can forgive me. I promise that that mistake will not occur again.

To put this behind us, I hope that you will accept this special invitation made out for you, and only you. I know that you are probably wondering what the invitation is for, but I'm afraid that that is a secret, cherie.

Get dressed in something very nice and meet me in the foyer.

-Erik

. . .

I walked down the tunnels, thinking over the letter Erik had written to me. What was the surprise? Why did I have to get dressed up nicely for it? What could it possibly be? It couldn't be a surprise party since the Opera Ghost was most certainly not a social butterfly. Although I knew that he wouldn't invite anyone else, I knew that the Opera Ghost could do just about anything in "his" opera house – nothing was unimaginable by him. I couldn't even begin to fathom just what it could be.

It wasn't necessary for him to do anything special for me anyways. Frankly, I cringed upon the memory of me yelling and then bursting into tears after he tried to read my letters.

It's not your fault that he tried to read them – it was not any of his business to begin with!

As much as I agreed with that, I also couldn't help but to feel bad.

The poor guy didn't know that it was that precious to me – he's probably greatly confused and wondering what he did wrong. It wasn't entirely his fault – who wouldn't be curious in the letters? And in return, who wouldn't be curious in his mask? . . .It's no different. . .

I continued to walk down the tunnels, trying to ignore the squeaks of rats. I would have been very nervous to walk down dark tunnels, but this time the walls were glowing with lit torches.

I silently thanked Erik for lighting them. It almost felt as though he was well aware of the fact that the dark secretly unnerved me. It would have been even better if he was there with me, but I understood that he had a certain surprise to attend for me.

Although the lit torches definitely helped calm my nerves, a small part of me couldn't help but to timidly look over my shoulder every once in a while. Deep within the dark corners of my mind, I was reminded of what had almost happened last time I was alone.

Calm down. I told myself. You're safe in these quiet tunnels. Only Erik ever uses them.

That thought brought more ease to my mind, and I continued to walk down the tunnels. I glanced down at the familiar dress that had the beautiful gold swirls embedded throughout the scarlet colored fabric. Erik had given me a few other dresses, but this was still the most beautiful gown I had.

It then occurred to me that Erik did too many nice things for me. First he gave me a place to stay, then dresses, and now a certain surprise for me which still remained a secret to me. . .Not to mention that he saved my life several times in-between all of these! I had to have begun to look like a crummy, selfish girl next to him. Was he trying to spoil me? I wouldn't allow it. . .I just wished that I could give him something in return. But what was I supposed to do? Demand to see his wallet so I could buy him something? That would be ridiculous.

Not to mention that with you luck, you'd be attacked again and Erik would have to come save you once ore, because you always miraculously manage to find yourself in some sort of danger, even though you never intend to.

I shook my head, not wanting to admit that the blunt statement that my mind blurted, was unfortunately true.

Why did danger always have to grasp onto me? Why did I have to be the dreadful damsel in distress?

. . .

I eventually found the foyer, which was only lit by very few candles. I couldn't help but wonder just why Erik had me come here after hours. No one was here – the Opera House had been locked up by the managers not long ago. My eyes searched the empty room, finding nothing surprising. I honestly didn't know what exactly I had expected to find, but everything seemed normal here.

Although the last time I was here, it had been very alive, and I couldn't help but to find it a little odd to see it empty, now. . .And quiet. . .And almost completely dark.

There were small groups of candles lit throughout the room, allowing the room to glow, along with the moon light's soft radiance that entered through the windows. Shadows draped across the walls and furniture. The dim light glistened along the marble floor, making the room have a very soft yet elegant feel. Although I found it very beautiful, I also found it very eerie.

The corners of the room remained dark. Through the darkness that clung onto the walls, I could only see the mirrors that reflected candle light. My eyes crept up the marble stair cases, finding them empty. In this very dimply lit room, I could feel fear swelling in my heart. My fears, that lingered within the dark corners of my mind, began to reawaken.

It felt like the darkness that lingered against the walls, grew closer to me. . .The darkness creeping onto my shoulders, and slowly snaking around my body as I stood frozen with fear. . .The darkness slowly swallowing me whole. . .

I tried to shake away my paranoid thoughts.

Get a hold of yourself! I told myself, trying to shake off the urge to squirm out of an invisible grasp. There's nothing to be afraid of! Just figure out where Erik is. . .He said he'd be here, right?

I frantically looked around the room once more, not able to keep my paranoid mind under control. The dark, eerie, and silent infested room urged me to run to Erik. . .If I could only find him!

Don't tell me he's not here! My mind cried. Because if that's the case, then this isn't the first time. . .But I don't want to come here by myself once more!

I could feel my heart rate climbing, and I couldn't take it any longer.

"Erik?" I called out, not able to keep my voice steady and calm. It sounded much rather like a panic cry to my own ears. My voice, that was laced tightly with fear, echoed through the room. I turned in every direction, searching for him. I felt so alone. . .So scared. . .So much like a child who still feared the dark!

. . .

I knoooow, I knooooow, this chapter wasn't super exciting – but this chapter was necessary! You'll see! I know you all will love this next chapter. *Squeals* I can't wait!

So what's gonna happen? Has Clare been abandoned in the dark? Is Erik ever going to show up? What was this invitation? You'll find out next chapter!

But I'm curious – what do you guys think will happen? Share your opinions through reviews, pretty please! I'll have Erik hug the reviewers!