"When we reacquainted here in Paris after a chance meeting – of course, nothing happens by chance, neither of us had any idea that the other was here – we gradually became friends, although Erik is wont to admit that. He had tired of being a recluse and trusted me with some of his secrets. Not all – I could hardly expect that. However, I think he was concerned for his own wellbeing. If I did not meet with him once a week here at the side of the lake, he told me to look for him. This involved showing me where the different entrances and traps were in this labyrinth."

"I am pleased and a little surprised Erik has a friend. Two friends, counting Mme. Giry. I had no idea, he seems so terribly alone," she comments. Their own relationship was exclusive to the two of them. When together, the world outside did not exist – only the music and a growing intimacy from sharing past histories – primarily hers.

Erik was the first person interested in listening to her stories, accepting without judgment both the joy and grief she expressed when speaking of her dead father – never tiring of what to others was quickly becoming tedious. "People die, Christine. It is time to move on with your life. One cannot grieve forever." Raoul lost both his parents – how could he not understand? Perhaps he did. Perhaps it was too painful for him to deal with. Whatever the reason, it only created a chasm between them. For his part, Erik seldom shared much about his past – in time she hoped he would open up the cache of secrets responsible for damning himself to living here.

"I agree. What does it take for a man to leave the world to live under the earth? A living death," Nadir sighs. "But he has hope now, n'cest pas. The one gift in Pandora's Box." He searches her eyes, still unsure of what this "angel" might say or do during the meeting with her former beau.

"One more tunnel and we shall be free of them," Nadir announces. He unlatches another stone door opening to the lake, perhaps 40 meters from the other entry.

"Oh," she comments. "Who would have known?"

"Exactly," smiles the daroga. "I have no idea how many hiding places Erik has built within this palace for himself."

"I take it there is another boat as well?" Christine smiles.

"Of course – dry-docked for the moment. He pulls aside some black cloaking and drags a boat, identical to the other Erik used for her journeys across the lake. He pushes it into the water. "I will row you across and then leave you to find the way back to your dressing room," he says. "I hope that is alright with you. I must return this boat to its hiding place on the other shore."

"I know the way well."

He assists her into the skiff.

"How will I explain my crossing, if someone asks?"

"Erik rowed you across the lake, then disappeared. Not an entire untruth."

The light from the lanterns is swallowed up in the almost complete darkness. While there is some illumination reflected in the water, he deftly guides the boat – careful they do not move too quickly, possibly overshooting the shore.

"Please know I am not encouraging you to say anything in particular, Mam'selle, this is simply an option for you if the question is asked."

He breathes deeply with his rowing efforts and wipes his brow. "So many things have happened in the darkness of this place, creating an equal amount darkness in the hearts of the people who populate it." He glances down at her. "It is time for light and that, unfairly, or not, is dependent upon you. Only you appear to have the power and ability to correct many wrongs."

Christine nods and smiles – a smile of acceptance. "So I have been told."

Christine, Christine

Don't think that I don't care

But every hope and every prayer

Rests on you now.

It is unfortunate that beauty brings out both good and evil in men's hearts. You have a pure soul, which makes you even more attractive. It is so rare. Like your black diamond – men will always wish to possess and control it.

"It is the greatest power; I believe you will use it well."

Christine's eyes are glossy with tears. "Thank you, M. Khan. I will do my best."

They reach the shore and he take her hand to assist her from the boat. Once she is securely on land, he kisses that same hand and smiles at her. "Adele is waiting for you in your dressing room," he tells her, re-boarding the boat.

"A bientot."

"Nadir," Christine says.

"Yes, mam'selle."

"Thank you. For everything. Most of all for Erik's life. I am in your debt."

"And I in yours."