UGH! WHEN AM I GONNA STOP STARTING NEW FANFICS?!

Oh well, I decided to experiment with the phanphic trope where Christine doesn't kiss Erik in the final lair and he doesn't let her go. So this idea was inspired by a dream I had, the Once Upon A Time scene in the episode "Skin Deep", and a couple of stuff from other fics. I hope you enjoy it!

"I believe what I will offer you is a fair bargain. It's a one for one deal."

"WHAT?!" Raoul and Christine bellowed, staring at the Phantom whose face was stoic as he said those words.

"I will give you your lover's freedom in exchange for the price of another…"

Silence had fallen over the couple. Raoul was the first to break it.

"What do you mean for the price of another... ?"

The phantom stared at the vicomte as if he were an idiot, pointing to Christine "I want her to be my bride"

"WHAT?!" Raoul spluttered in shock, cringing as the cord from the lasso twisted into the skin of his neck. Condemned, he cried "Christine! Flee and leave me! Leave me to die!"

"Raoul…" Christine begged, tears forming at the corners of her eyes "Please no, don't die for my sake…"

"LEAVE NOW!" he argued as the man approached the couple "Don't throw away your life for my sake!"

The Phantom let out a low growl, raising his hand to slap the vicomte, only for Christine to interrupt.

"Wait!" she cried, her head low and expression solemn, "I have made my decision…"

"If I go with you," Christine began, twisting her hair nervously as she said those words with uncertainty and in a shaky yet brave voice "and become your… wife, will you keep your promise and let Raoul go?"

"My dear," his tone was stoic and calm "You have my word,"

She turned to look at Raoul for a long time and then back up at him.

"Then you have mine,"

"Christine, no!"

"It's the only option I have, please… just trust me,"

"But Christine, you can't!" Raoul insisted, his voice choked with pain and distress.

"Listen to me, I'm the reason you got into this mess, and the only thing he wants is me. If it's me he wants, it's me he shall get,"

"Well said, my angel…" the Phantom spoke up after a long moment of silence, "Now, I will let him go,"

"NO!" Raoul protested as the lasso was cut, panting for breath "You can't… you won't…"

"I'm sorry, Raoul, but it's been decided…"

"She's right," the Phantom taunted in front of his rival "The deal is struck,"

The Phantom pushed the noble away as the portcullis closed "Now leave!"

"Wait," Christine cried "But let me say goodbye to-"

But it was too late… Raoul was gone…

I tried SO hard not to make this prologue feel rushed. Just wait until the next few chapters.