Chapter One

Pushing the curtain aside, Lizzy entered Box 5 and her heart beat.

Two seats in front, auburn-red curtains to the side, which were around the box, it felt lonely. Making her way over to the balcony, Lizzy placed her hands on the railing and stared out. Box 5 had the advantage of the orchestra pit as well as the audience. Including the stage, all she spotted was that "the Opera Ghost's" box had the view of the theater! When she peered up, the chandelier sparkled in the light. She only recounted how Mr. Collins' rambled on about how that was made and the cleaning was a completely different story! Always enjoying the escape of the theater, Lizzy shook her head when as she thought.

"Attending such events such as these are most indeed blessed! I wonder how the 'Opera Ghost' manages to sit here for each performance." Then she turned and something caught her attention. Stepping forward, she reached out and took a rose which lay on one of the seats. It was fresh and the smell was lovely. Drawing it to her nose, she inhaled the fragrance just when the lights finally dimmed and the announcement for all to take their seats was heard. Knowing she wasn't able to stay long, Lizzy was about to exit when a voice startled her.

"Someone has entered my domain."

When she peered up, her heart jumped when a tall figure, cloaked in a long flowing cape, covered with a white face mask, stood high and tall before her. She'd been so diverted with the rose she didn't hear him enter. The rose still in her hands, her heart trembled when he took another step forward. Then she found her voice.

"You're the Opera Ghost?"

"Yes." He replied but Lizzy noticed he wasn't pleased by her presence. If anything… he wasn't at all happy she'd trespassed on property that was a no. But then the next thing he said made her wish she could flee.

"You are no longer allowed to return. Since you've seen me… you belong to me."

In a gesture which frightened her, Lizzy watched as the "Opera Ghost" directed her to take a seat where she'd found the rose. She obeyed and regretted ever having listened to the rumors about the "Opera Ghost!" Once she was seated, she felt unnerved when he sat beside her and she could smell the stench of what was…

"You smell as if you're a dead corpse!" she exclaimed and instantly regretted this. A firm hand was placed on her chin and he made her stare at him. Her eyes stung when he rasped.

"A dead corpse?!"

Then suddenly… a scream was heard from below and his hand was instantly off her. When Lizzy heard the scream, she leapt to her feet when the "Opera Ghost" rushed over to the balcony… and looked out…

"Murder! Call the authorities! I saw a body hanging at the back of the theater!" The voice of the stagehand exclaimed. From above, Lizzy watched as the "Opera Ghost" took a step back and his shoulders tensed. Already on her feet, Lizzy watched as he took hold of the curtains and pulled them in. He then took another step back when the performance was put on pause. The crowd was drawn in and Lizzy could hear them. Voices continued to escalate.

"Hanging at the back? You absolutely certain?"

"Yes! Before all the ballerinas appeared, one of them came running out, screaming bloody-murder because the body's hanged by a rope!"

"Are you certain that it's not a dummy? Sometimes you've been known for gossip, Mrs. Wickham."

"Mrs. Wickham? My sister?" Lizzy suddenly exclaimed but the Opera Ghost turned and stared at her. After he placed his hands on his hips, he asked.

"So the so called 'gossip woman' is your sister?"

He didn't allow her to reply when footsteps were heard outside of the box. Lizzy was about to turn and take her leave but the Opera Ghost placed his hand on her shoulder. He tightened it when he whispered.

"You've seen me; you belong to me. Follow me now to my domain before those managers enter and wonder if the 'Opera Ghost' was responsible for the murder."

Lizzy felt her throat dry when she remembered Charlotte and Mr. Collins. They would wonder where she was but when the Opera Ghost gave her a nudge towards the back, which revealed a wall, she didn't have any say in the matter. Keeping regret away from her abductor, she was quickly pushed forward and before she realized it… the Opera Ghost opened a secret door and the gears were so silent… Lizzy marveled that the managers didn't seem to hear them. Then… she was inside the passage… it was an eerie passage… she could hear the sounds of dripping water… and scampering noises from below indicated that rats were among her companions. Then his hand was placed firmly on her wrist and when Lizzy gasped, he silenced her with the other. The way he'd informed her she was not to return sent chills down her spine. When she met his eyes, they were as hard as stone.

"Follow me and remain quiet."

Then she was released but his hand remained. In a grasp which she couldn't free herself, Lizzy was taken down a small set of stairs but not before the Opera Ghost took a torch to light the way. The drip from a pipe above hit her and Lizzy felt it run down her back. She let out a cry and nearly tumbled backwards (the stairs were a little steep) but to her surprise, the Opera Ghost caught her with his hand. When he glanced back, she was a bit startled to see that his expression softened. Yet his grip didn't when he spoke.

"We're nearing my boat. We'll row to my house on the lake and then… you shall wear a gold ring which you will wear as my claim on you."

Perhaps this wasn't the best idea but Lizzy couldn't help it. Finding the courage she never knew she possessed, she inhaled and let out a scream. The Opera Ghost dropped the torch, which blew out, and then Lizzy felt his hand cup around her mouth and she attempted to fight him. But he had her; in on solid hold, he lifted Lizzy and she remembered no more.

"For goodness sakes, my dear, wherever is Lizzy?" Charlotte asked.

Seated in the carriage, she waited for her husband to reply as he sat opposite her. The uproar from Mrs. Wickham, who was one of the gossiping women of Paris, caused such an arousal that the performance was cancelled. It was announced that the "corpse" was to be investigated immediately and Mrs. Wickham was excused. She was one of the members of the theater but Charlotte knew little of this. Her only concern was Lizzy. She'd vanished prior to the show beginning. Then Mr. Collins' voice answered.

"My dear? How am I to know where my dear cousin vanished to? Maybe the Opera Ghost took her?"

Charlotte's heart jumped and leaning forward she replied.

"You don't believe in the gossip, too, do you?"

Mr. Collins nodded and his hat slid a bit as he answered.

"Yes. Opera Ghost suits the Paris House pleasantly, do you not think, my dear? If I may recall… Lizzy was all ears when she heard about them. I wouldn't be surprised if she vanished to Box 5 and he met her there! Ghost or not… we'll know she will be back tonight. I know that some of the cooks of Lady Catherine will surely inform us she's returned! If not… we will most certainly notify the authorities."

This didn't ease Charlotte's feelings in the least as she settled back in the seat. The carriage and the horses traveled out of Paris but Charlotte's concern for Lizzy grew. As she turned and stared out the window, she thought.

"Oh, Lizzy! If you hadn't listened, perhaps you'd be safe listening to George's speeches than believing local rumors! Lord in Heaven! Help Lizzy!"

Then the carriage continued to drive towards the manor where she and Collins resided in. But after supper… no sign of Lizzy appeared and Charlotte's concern increased. When she prepared herself for bed… her worry only seemed to grow… like a weed.

"Perhaps I should send a notice to the authorities about a missing person." She thought after the maid left. When Charlotte nodded, she rose and made her way over to the writing desk. She soon wrote a notice and asked the butler to deliver it to the Parisian police.

"It will be in the papers tomorrow morning, Mrs. Collins." He informed her before he left.

When Lizzy opened her eyes, she found herself in a room. Raising herself on her hands, she realized she was lying on a fine mattress. It was soft and warm and glancing over, there was a warm hearth and fire blazed. She tried to remember what took place: the Opera House, rumors of the Opera Ghost… then she blinked and realized where she was and who'd abducted her!

"Papa would lecture me for being this bold." She thought as she turned and rose from the bed. She realized she was still wearing her evening gown but the gloves were off. Instead when Lizzy glanced down, she felt her heart skip when her left finger possessed a gold ring. And it was here she remembered the Opera Ghost.

"Now you've seen me, you belong to me." His words repeated in her mind.

"But how are we to be married if it wasn't done in a Catholic Church?" Lizzy thought. She was touching the ring when a sound was heard. It was transfixing and Lizzy couldn't help herself. Making her way out of the bedroom, she entered another room and this was what appeared to be the living room. A long table was to the left and a few candles were on display. She noticed a kitchen but there was the absence of food. In this moment, Lizzy didn't want to put food to the stomach because of the music which was being played. Following it, she walked through the living room and upon entering another room, she silently gasped at the sight she beheld. There, seated at an organ, was her abductor. His back was turned to her and he was playing the keys of the instrument which was against a wall. Her memory returned and the Opera Ghost mentioned "his house on a lake" and here she turned and the water was to the right. A boat was conveniently tied and she wondered if she should dare step in and make her escape?

But she shuddered when she remembered how the Opera Ghost managed to "knock her out" and chills ran down her spine. But then the Opera Ghost startled her when he stopped playing and he asked.

"How did you sleep?"

"However did you know I was behind you?" She asked. Lizzy didn't answer his question as she watched him turn in his seat. It was here she realized he'd lightly removed his outer clothing. The only things she saw was his shirt, which revealed muscles, and the cape was off. She was thankful she didn't have to endure seeing his chest but she took a step back. As he rose, he replied.

"I have eyes that can see behind me. I don't suppose you knew that about the Opera Ghost?"

Lizzy didn't reply as he stepped down from the organ and she hid a shiver because his face mask unnerved her. Consequence when she allowed curiosity to take her places! She felt as if the world stared at her when he made his way over to her. Dread filled her and she longed to scream again but he seemed to read her thoughts.

"No. We will have no more screaming episodes. I see that that ring suites you."

Here, Lizzy peered towards the ring and dryness entered and she longed to run away. She was learning her lesson at believing rumors! The Opera Ghost was real and he wasn't allowing her to leave him! Not even legally married, Lizzy wondered if this man was insane or merely needed a mental health check but didn't voice this when he spoke.

"I have the papers already in line with the Catholic priest. He's a friend of mine and all that's needed is for your signature. Remember: since you've seen me… you belong to me."

He made his way over to a desk and as Lizzy watched, he seated himself before he took out a sheet of paper. He gestured for her to stand beside him and her dread increased. She longed to turn and run and flee in the boat! It was right there but he shook his head.

"No. Sign this so I can deliver it to the priest." The Opera Ghost spoke.

"Then the legal process will be in place." Lizzy thought as she made her way over. She knew marriages needed to take place in a Catholic Church but the Opera Ghost was pushing this. Once she was beside him, she waited as he took out a quill and ink. Then he gestured for her to sign her name. Swallowing, Lizzy held herself as she bent forward and wrote her name. Once this was done, she took a step back and watched as "her husband" rose and read her signature. When he turned to her, he asked.

"Your name is Elizabeth Bennet?"

"Yes." Lizzy replied. She finally found her voice and she was tempted to rip that mask off but she remembered how he'd treated her before. Daring him now would be risky and she didn't want to be "knocked out" again. Especially after her screaming attempt backfired.

"I will go and Father will have these ready, Elizabeth." The Opera Ghost spoke.

"Then I will return with a complete wardrobe of dresses for you and dinner for the two of us! Mind you: don't leave the house. You can't afford the siren if you try to escape."

"A siren?" She asked as he turned.

The Opera Ghost placed the sheets of paper in an envelope before he took out his cape. After he placed it around his shoulders, he turned to her and in a voice which sent deep chills down her spine, Lizzy heard him reply.

"Yes. The siren is something I installed to remove any unwelcomed guests from my property."

"Now I wonder if he was responsible for that murder earlier." Lizzy's mind asked and she found she didn't have words to answer him. Instead, she nodded and taking a step back, watched as her "husband to be" left and hopped into the boat. As he rowed away, all Lizzy could think about was: she'd encountered the Opera Ghost and he was in no frame of mind to let her go. But it was the mask that made her pause…

"What is he hiding underneath it?" She thought as she watched him row away.

Perhaps there was more to him than what he was allowing her to see. But then she remembered Charlotte and Mr. Collins! She knew she needed to do something to tell them where she was! But… how was she do it when the Opera Ghost as already making plans to marry her? The ring was there… the papers… what about the wedding dress? Remembering Charlotte's marriage… Lizzy shuddered more. Which was better? Marrying the Opera Ghost for an unknown reason? Or endure more of Mr. Collins' speeches? And who was responsible for that "murder" her sister gossiped about? Dread entered Lizzy if she was marrying him!