Christine

Time seems to fly by, my days are filled with rehearsals and my nights are filled with Erik. I can't remember ever being this happy since my father died. Erik is still sleeping in his shirt and trousers every night and moving our physical relationship along at a glacial rate. I don't want him to think me forward, so I let him set the pace.

Slowly, surely we're getting to know each other better. He's still an implacable taskmaster during lessons. Still a stern suitor. I wonder if I'll ever break through that rigid exterior, or if that's just the way he is. I love him so much that I really don't mind. It's not as though he's incapable of tenderness. He's a strange mixture of warmth, gentleness, and austerity. He's just as exacting with himself as he is with me. He loves me deeply, of that I'm certain.

The public performance of Il Muto is tomorrow. Once it is over, we have five days before rehearsals begin for Faust. I will be journeying to Erik's home beyond the lake. I am looking forward to the uninterrupted time with him. I am curious about how he spends his days, and I want to explore his home. I was barely able to see anything in my brief time there.

Erik

"Are you coming to see the show tomorrow?"

"Yes, I answer, though you won't see me. I'll be well hidden."

Yes, well hidden and executing my plan to ensure she takes over the role of the Countess. I know it is highly likely Christine will realize I'm the Opera Ghost as a result, and I'm ready to handle the fallout once the two of us are safely ensconced in my home for five days.

She frowns. "I don't know why you find it necessary to hide from the world like that. I know people can be unkind, but you shouldn't let that stop you from living your life."

Oh, the sweet, naive girl! "Christine, you have no idea exactly how cruel people can be. I'm glad you don't and I hope you never find out."

She sighs. "Will you ever tell me what drove you into hiding?"

"Perhaps someday."

The performance is about to begin as I step out into the dome at the pinnacle of the auditorium, a demon surrounded by the painted cherubs. Not only have those cursed new managers not followed my casting instructions, they've sold my box! I allow my voice to boom throughout the entire auditorium. "Did I not instruct that box five was to be kept empty?"

There are gasps from all across the auditorium and people half rise from their seats, looking for the source of my voice. Christine looks towards the dome, but I'm hidden from her view by the chandelier. Even from here I can hear her quite clearly when she says, "It's him." There's no fear on her face, only sudden understanding. And so, now she knows.

"Your part is silent, little toad," Carlotta spits at her.

I'm fuming as I say quietly to myself, "A toad, Madame? Perhaps it is you, who are the toad?"

Just as I predicted, she goes to her servant and has her squirt what she thinks is her usual spray in her throat. She tries to resume the performance, and right on cue, she croaks. Her croaking continues until the performance is completely disrupted. She rushes from the stage in tears. The idiot managers leap from their seats to announce that the performance will resume with Christine playing the part of the Countess. I hate to disrupt things further for her, but I need to ensure the full cooperation of the new managers from now on. I make my way to the flies.

Buquet spots me and gives chase. My first instinct is to kill him, but I know Christine would never forgive me. Instead, I knock him out cold with a perfect blow to the temple then carry him to a place where he won't fall to the stage when he wakes. I then proceed to wreak havoc on the ballet below by dropping multiple backgrounds and props. I stop when I know the managers are about to call off the performance entirely. I return to my hidden compartment in their box and let me voice fill it once again.

"Remember tonight, gentlemen, the next time you think to defy me."

They are trembling like schoolboys. I go back to the dome to watch the rest of the performance. Christine is glorious. As soon as the curtain comes down, I return to wait for her behind the mirror.

She enters some time later followed by the Vicomte de Chagny! "Really, Raoul, I don't wish to be unkind, but I've told you I'm not interested."

I stiffen. The young man has clearly been trying to court her again! He laughs. "Oh, Christine. You don't have to be coy with me."

He pulls her into his arms and kisses her. I reach for the latch on the mirror, murder in my heart, when a resounding crack causes me to pause. The Vicomte is holding his face and staring at Christine in shock. He takes his hand down to reveal a livid, red mark. She has clearly slapped him!

"Christine!" He stares at her in disbelief.

Her chest is heaving in fury, and perhaps fear as she knows I'm behind the mirror waiting for her. "I told you!" She nearly screams at him. "I'm not interested! I'm in love with someone else, Raoul."

"Someone else? Is that where you were after the Gala? You were with him?" He seems remarkably unabashed for a young man with a handprint on his face.

"Yes."

"Is he the one who sent me the note?"

"Note? What note?" She's staring at him in confusion.

"I received a note that said...nevermind." He bows stiffly to her. "I wish you every happiness, Christine." The tone of his voice suggests otherwise. He turns on his heel and strides back out of her dressing room.

She stares after him for a moment looking hurt and bewildered then locks the door behind him. She turns toward the mirror. "Erik?"

I open the mirror. I don't quite know what to say after what I've just witnessed, but I don't want her to think I am angry with her. I just smile and extend my hand.