Thank you to phanrose, lindaweng, FleshofMidnight, SloaneDestler, Batty Dings, LoveMei000, peanutpup, and Pensez-a-Erik for the lovely reviews!

Note: Had a great question in the reviews of last chapter - they were confused about the time and place in which Erik is telling his story to Christine. This will be revealed later, when their timelines completely converge :) I've added this note to the previous chapter as well.

Enjoy!


Christine

Chapter 86

The Tremors

Ibrahim and Nadir allowed me to stay the night. If anyone asked why I was spending the quiet, dark hours at the Daroga's house, they would explain that Nadir was merely borrowing me. My father overheard this and blanched, but said nothing.

Long past midnight, he and I sat in his room, talking. Not about what I'd been through, what he'd been through - neither one of us wanted to talk about that now. We talked about life before Persia. We talked about Paris. The things we missed. The things we couldn't wait to get back to.

If that day every came. It seemed as though it never would.

And what was more, I hoped and silently prayed that Erik would be a part of that future back west.

At a certain point, my father took out his violin. If he disturbed Nadir or Reza or any of the servants, no one came to request he quiet down. He played freely. Either Nadir's walls were quite thick, or he didn't want to disturb our peace.

As he made music, I sang.

When he heard my voice, he stared with rounded eyes, ceasing his playing. "Where did you learn to sing like that, Christine?"

I smiled softly. "Erik taught me."


I was awoken at dawn, in another room that had been given to me for the night. I'd only slept a few hours, and as far as I knew, my father was still asleep. But Nadir knocked on my door, and when I opened it, I saw Ibrahim behind him. There was a look of genuine happiness on the Grand Vizier's face. Even Nadir looked relieved.

"What is it?" I asked, stifling a yawn, trying to wake up fully.

"Dress, Christine," said Nadir. "Erik has been released, and is waiting for you in his chambers."

My eyes went wide and I closed the door in their faces, rushing to my dresser. Nadir made an indignant sound at the rudeness of it, while Ibrahim laughed loudly. I myself found giggles escaping me. He was free. Erik was finally free. I was quick to put on day clothes, to brush my hair, and open the door once again. Nadir was gone now, leaving only Ibrahim waiting for me. He nodded, smiling.

"Would you like to bid your father goodbye for the day?" he asked.

"Yes," I said softly. "Yes, of course."

As we passed his room, I knocked on the door.

"Yes?" I heard his groggy voice from beyond.

"It's Christine, Papa."

From the other side, I heard him leave his bed and come to the door. He unlocked it and opened it, revealing a tired-looking Gustave Daae.

"Christine, you're dressed," he observed. He saw Ibrahim as well, then looked down at his own nightclothes. "Is it breakfast? I will dress as well."

"No - there might be breakfast. But I have to leave-"

"Leave?" He frowned. "Leave where?"

"Back to the palace," I explained, shrinking a bit under his look of unhappiness. "Erik has - he's been released."

He nodded slowly. Then: "Bring him here tonight, if you can." At his glance at Ibrahim, I knew it was as much a question as a command.

Ibrahim gave him a charming smile. "So long as he is willing, I see no issue with this."

I hugged my father goodbye and kissed his cheek, but not before I noticed his eyes narrow a bit at "willing", no doubt feeling that this "Erik person" had better be willing to meet him.

Seeing as Erik had been more than willing to charm his daughter all these months.


I walked back to Erik's chambers the same way I'd walked to Nadir's house. Jittery. Buzzing. Unsure what to expect.

When we arrived at the door to Erik's rooms, Ibrahim took his keys from his pockets and unlocked it. He opened the door.

The first thing I saw was Ayesha, who'd apparently been brought here by Ibrahim before he'd come to retrieve me, extremely early in the morning. She meowed as we stepped inside, rubbing against our legs. My bags were on the floor as well.

Then I saw Erik. He was sitting on the couch, mask off. He looked as though he was freshly washed, in new clothes. But his already sunken-eyes looked somehow even more tired, distant, hurting.

When they found me, they shone. He stood, slowly.

I ran to him, and he caught me.

I'd been the one to begin crying first when I at last held my father. This time, Erik was the one to let out a sob.

"I love you." His voice held tremors. His entire body did. "I love you. I never want to be parted from you again. Christine-"

"I'm right here," I whispered, but tears were forming in my eyes as well. "I won't let you go."

He held on tighter.

"Are you all right?" I asked him. "Are you...do you..."

"I survived," he breathed. "The only thing that kept me alive was you. The knowledge that I'd see you." He ran a hand through my hair. "There were times when I felt myself losing my mind, but I'd imagine you were there with me, and I would return to myself. And I found the will to finish the-" He trailed off.

"The Chamber?" I finished. "You finished it?"

"Yes. The plans are in the hands of the Shah now. He is having his best men build it. It will be placed within Mirror Hall. The heat will stay within the Chamber - it won't roast the rest of the room."

I didn't want to talk about the Chamber. I didn't comment or ask any questions.

"I couldn't eat or sleep with you gone," I told him instead. "I was too worried. I didn't know if you were being hurt, or starved, or-" I took a shuddering breath.

"Oh, my love." He kissed the top of my head. "I was unharmed. Captive, but unharmed."

I nodded into him. The smell of pine wafted soothingly into my nose. I sighed.

I was aware of Ibrahim still behind me, and apparently so was Erik. I felt him shift, knew that he was looking at the Grand Vizier. "Thank you, my friend. For everything."

"Of course."

As I felt Erik continue running his hand through my hair, over my back, I finally told him what else was currently on my mind: "My father arrived, Erik."

He stiffened. "What?"

"My father." I pulled away, looking at his wide eyes. "He's here."

"How-"

"When he got the letter, he came rather than write back. He's here. And he...he wants to meet you."


Hey everyone! I don't normally do this, but there are a lot more readers than reviewers. Can you guys let me know if you're enjoying the story, if possible? I appreciate those of you who do leave feedback!