Chapter 53:

Changing into a nightdress that Darius had laid for me I began to relax.

Then crawling into bed I rested my head against the pillows.

But as my eyes began to drift shut I heard a loud crash and then Erik's voice.

Springing from the bed I cowered in the far corner of the room as I listened to Erik demand that Nadir tell him where I was.

I heard Nadir ask him to explain himself and why he had invaded his home at such an hour.

"I know she is here! I can smell her! Just give her to me and I might let you live!"

"Erik! Calm yourself. You aren't making any sense."

"She left me Daroga. Lesta left me as I slept... I must find her… I thought that she would have come here."

He began to sound desperate and my heart broke for him.

"She saw me without my mask and she touched me and kissed me." He sobbed.

"Why Daroga..? Tell me why would she do such a thing as touch and kiss my decrepit flesh?"

"I knew that the day would come when she would flee from me. But I never dared dream that she would…" He began to sob harder.

Unable to stop myself I crept to the door and opened it.

Seeing Erik laying on the floor crying, the last of my resolve vanished and I went to him.

Knelling beside him I touched his hair and said "I am here. I am so sorry I should not have…" I began to cry and my tears mingled with his on the floor.

Raising his head he looked into my eyes. Then bringing his hand up, he brushed my tears from my cheek.

"Lesta" he sighed "Why..?"

"Erik… Can you ever forgive me? I… I did not mean to cause you such pain."

"Oh Lesta My Beauty… I am the one that should beg you. I am a monster. I do not deserve…"

Covering his lips with my fingers I said "Hush. You mustn't say such things."

Looking up a Nadir I whispered "What have I done?"

Then turning I saw Darius pointing a gun at Erik. Crying out "NO" I moved to cover Erik with my body. "You can't… I won't let you..!"

Swinging my head back around, I cried at Nadir "Tell him! Tell him!"

Erik moved me from him and sat up.

Then looking at Darius he said "Do it… End this."

Throwing myself at Erik I cried "NO! Stop this madness! I can not be made to be a widow."

Grabbing his shirt front, I shook him and said "Take me home Erik. Take me home."

Tears were streaming down my face and I felt like my heart was being ripped from my chest.

Standing Erik looked down at me as I clung to his legs and said "You would willingly return with me?"

"Yes Erik… I was foolish to leave you and I see that now. Please…please just take me home." I begged.

Reaching his hand down for me to take, he helped me to stand.

Wrapping my arms around him I buried my face in his chest.

"Forgive me Daroga. I will pay for the damage I did to your door." Erik said.

Stepping forward Nadir said "Put the gun away Darius. I think we've had enough drama for one night."

"Why don't we go into the parlor? I'm sure Madam Lesta needs to sit down and gather herself." Nadir continued.

"I will say where my 'wife' goes Daroga." Erik said harshly and I knew that the dangerous Erik had returned.

He could change so quickly and I began to remember why I had left him.

Trying to step away from him, I felt his arms wrap around me and trap me against him.

Trembling in renewed fear I looked up at him. Seeing what looked like fire burning in his eyes I began to regret coming to him.

"So My Dear you wish to return home. Then that is where we will go." Erik said as he looked down at my face.

"May I…may I at least change into my…my dress Erik?" I stammered.

Looking at me with a wicked grin on his lips he said "I do not think there will be a need for that seeing that I will be taking you to bed once we are home."

"Please Erik… I beg you. Allow me to change." I said as I continued to tremble in dread of what was to happen to me once we returned home.

"Erik, please. Permit her to change. I am sure she will not try to escape you again." Nadir said trying to come to my aid.

"If it is your wish Lesta, then I will allow it." Then looking at Nadir Erik said "But if this some type of trick, you will die and your lap dog there will not be able to stop me."

As he released me I whispered "I will only be a moment, I swear. And then I will leave here with you."

Running to the bedroom and closing the door I jerked the nightdress over my head and grabbed my clothing. Rushing to put them on I almost tore my stockings. Then as I pulled my dress on I could hardly tie the laces my hands were shaking so badly.

As I reentered the hallway I saw Erik and Nadir talking quietly and hoped that things had calmed down.

Walking on shaky legs I approached Erik.

I thought of trying to smile, but knew it would only look fake.

So keeping my eyes downcast I went to his side.

Nadir spoke first and said "Erik has granted me leave to visit you in the future. So do not fear Madam, I will be seeing you again soon."

Looking up at Erik surprised I asked "Is this true?"

"Do not think me completely heartless My Dear. I know that you long for company other than mine and that my home can be a very lonely place. So I will allow Monsieur Khan to visit occasionally."

"Thank you." I said gratefully.

"Now if there is nothing else, I think we should take our leave." Erik said.

"Your cloak Madam" Darius said as he handed it to me.

"Thank you." I said to Darius. Then looking at Nadir I said. "You have both been very kind to me and I thank you again"

"Enough of this" Erik snapped. "It is time for us to go."

Placing my cloak around my shoulders Erik led me from Nadir's home back to ours.

We traveled in silence.

But as we neared the Opera House I stopped and looked around feeling like I was bidding this world good bye.

Turning to Erik I said "I just wish I could have seen the sunrise."

Tugging me forward Erik remained silent.

I knew he was angry with me and his silence only added to my nervousness as we made our way through the maze of tunnels.

Tripping on a rock, I would have fallen if he had not caught me.

Growling Erik said "Must I carry you the rest of the way?"

"No, I can walk. I would not want to trouble you anymore than I already have this night." I said in a quiet voice.

Pulling me to him he wrapped his arms around me and said "I thought I had lost you forever."

I wanted to say 'you would have and you might yet' but I feared for my safety so I said "I am here now Erik. Isn't that what matters?"

"You are right Lesta. You are here now, and I will not be so lax in my guardianship of you in the future." He said in a tone that made my blood run cold.

Trembling, I thought what have I done?

Why did I have to agree so easily to return here to this dark nightmare?

But I knew the answer. And it was to save us all. If my sacrifice meant that Nadir and Laddie were safe, I would gladly follow Erik back to hell.

Stepping back from me, Erik led me the rest of the way home.

Lifting my cloak for my shoulders Erik said "You must be tired from your adventure. Go change into your nightwear and I will join you shortly."

Nodding I turned and made my way to my room.

Changing I wondered what he was going to do to me.

Walking over to the vanity I sat down and began to brush my hair.

Turning as Erik entered, my heart stopped when I saw what he was carrying.