Mahtab got slightly worried about the assistance he had to provide, but he was ashamed to think he was excited in a scientific manner as well. It was a responsible task, and he was going to help Papa with something so important… He could not wait to be present and help with a possible heart attack, as it seemed to be that, from the things he heard.

- Save her please. - Lily whispered when Mahtab passed her. - I have no one… no one left but her..

- Don't worry. We will do everything humanly possible. - Mahtab replied with compassion, and only this sentence made him understand they were heading to see a living person. Not only a machine they had to repair, not just to change a stuck gear wheel, and everything was going to work flawlessly again. That worrying poor ballerina was so helpless to see. He unintentionally placed his hand on her shoulder, and patted it, without another word. He turned away in hurry to fetch his cloak and they were ready to go.

- Go to bed, Florian, and don't pester the "ballerina". - Erik warned. - Oh, put her to bed as well…; not in the same bed with you, mind you. We are not taking longer than it is necessary. Everyone go to bed and sleep.

The way Erik intoned the word "ballerina" sounded like he was using that word as an insult, yet again.

Flo nodded, and turned away from the door after he shut it behind Papa and Mahtab. He awkwardly approached his lover, not knowing what to say to make her feel better after all of these sad happenings.

- Whatever happens… I love you. - He said finally, after a long pause.

- Do you? - Lily dried her tears. - Do you really?

- I do. - Flo nodded. - And always will. I am going to marry you as soon as possible. No matter what.

- Won't you get in trouble for loving me? - She walked closer, desperately hugging Flo. - I love you too, but your family…

- They like you a lot. - Flo reassured.

- No. Your father sure hates me. - She sniffed.

- He doesn't. - Flo shook his head. - He isn't that bad as he seems to be sometimes, he has a good heart. But this situation was… a bit of unexpected for him and…

- He thinks me as a whore. - Lily closed her eyes.

- Maybe. - Flo sighed. - But if it is so, it is only because he does not know you enough yet. He is going to change his mind once he knows you better.

- If he wants to know me at all. - She replied sadly. - He told me I arrived just in time as you were travelling back to Paris… did you know that?

- He told me. - Flo hugged Lily closer to himself, not exactly knowing what to do at that moment. - I have to finish school you see.

- And what… what will happen to us… to you, the baby… and me?

- I wish I knew what to answer. - Flo whispered. - Papa is right in the end, it seems to be… I am nothing but a child yet… I need guidance. I can't offer you anything. I have no regular income… no home other than my father's. I know nothing but music. No job, no proper schooling… nothing. Nothing but my love. But it is there and endless. Only… we can't buy bread from out of love… and I made you give birth to a child… I am sorry.

- It is my fault. I was foolish. I mean not at that night… but…

- We did not take care. - Flo sighed. - But I like babies.

- Me too. - Lily whispered.

- I think- a new voice joined the conversation suddenly, - it is too late for this discussion already. Both literally and theoretically speaking. Please, follow me, Lily, I show you where you will sleep tonight. You shall try to sleep, you need strength to take care of my grandchild. Flo, dear go to bed too, please. Papa might return soon, and he won't be pleased seeing you still up. Good night.

Christine gently patted Lily's back and led her out of the salon to Belle's room.

-Lily - Christine spoke softly as they were heading the other room, her beautiful voice rang reassuringly in the girl's ear- I know that you think my husband hates you, but it is not true. He seems though, and his heart is hard to gain, for sure, but it is because he was treated rough most of his life. He doesn't always know how to respond to unexpected events, and he wants the best for his children. I know he seems like a hateful person at first, but he only needs time to calm down and get used to the situation. He loves young children, and is a very good father in general.

- Is he? - Lily asked shyly.

- Yes, he is. And he will be a good grandfather too, I am sure. Just give him time, and don't take anything he says in a sudden mood swing too seriously.

- I will try my best. - She nodded with a faint smile appearing on her pale face.

- Now go to bed, dear and try to rest and take care of my grandchild.

She felt like it will be the best to make the newcomer girl sleep with another girl for that night, and to make her comfortable, she now made the bed for Belle on the couch so Lily gets the bed. She has to take care of the baby. Belle, thankfully did not fuss about having to sleep on the couch. On the contrary, she was excited about this small change, and the presence of a big girl in her room too. Especially when she heard Lily was a ballet dancer.

- Lily, are you a real dancer? - Belle's green eyes lit up in interest.

- Yes. - She nodded. - But I can't dance for too long now because of the baby. - She added sadly.

- Are you going to have a small baby? A real small baby?

- Yes. - Lily nodded again, now smiling.

- Do you want a boy or a girl baby? - Belle inquired.

- I don't know. - Lily replied. - Maybe a little girl will be nice. Like you.

- Me? - Belle chuckled.

- Yes, you are cute. Do you like to dance?

- Yes, a lot. I told Papa I wished to be a ballet dancer.

- And what did he say? - Lily frowned, knowing Erik used the word as an insult and a synonym for "whore".

- He said he did not know yet. - Belle shrugged. - Maybe.

This "maybe" left no doubt in Lily's heart that Erik did not have a good opinion about ballerinas in general and considered them cheap women, and she turned to face the wall with a deep sigh, and some tears ran down on her face. She could only hope things were going to get better with time, and maybe Auntie Elise will be more accepting towards the baby than Flo's father. In a family, it is always the father who decides about important things… and Flo's father won't decide anything positive regarding her future.

The grandfather's clock in the hall chimed two when the front door opened and the two missing family members stepped inside.

- Go to bed. - Erik was the first one to speak, it was followed by a deep sigh.

- I can't. - Mahtab replied. - Please let me stay with you.

- You need to rest, son. Please try to sleep.

- How could I? - Mahtab shook his head while trying to fight back his tears.

- A man does not cry. - Erik warned. - At least not about things he can't change.

- Papa… why…? Why…?

- You can't always be successful. Failure happens. I hate it more than everything, but it does.

- It is my fault. - Mahtab baulked.

- Oh boys, you are home finally. - Christine stepped out of the master bedroom, wearing nothing but a nightgown, looking around with worry. - It is so late, I was already worried.

No answer came. Erik tried his best to calm Mahtab, who now started crying finally.

- What is wrong? - Christine stepped closer.

- She is dead. - Erik responded coldly.

- Oh my dear God. - Christine made the sign of the cross with a little gasp.

- Go back to bed, Christine, we will talk later. Mahtab. Go to bed. You are tired.

Mahtab nodded, drying his eyes with his sleeve, taking a sharp inhale to stop his coming tears. He was trying hard to fight with his emotions, but turned back from the door frame towards Erik.

- May I have…?

- Laudanum, yes. I will bring it for you, go to bed.

Christine refused to go back to sleep, she sat down in Erik's study, waiting for her husband to retreat in there. She already knew him, and knew he won't be heading to the bedroom to sleep, but to the study to work out his emotions maybe with some music. She prepared a glass of wine and a cigar for him with some sheet music paper, and sat down to the chair next to the desk. It was usually Mahtab's place when he was present in the room. Christine wasn't wrong. In a few minutes Erik entered the room, and walked to the desk. He looked at Christine and nodded, acknowledging her presence. He knew it was no use to argue with her to go to sleep, as Christine, his dear sweet Christine was just as stubborn as him in this aspect.

- Would you like a glass too? - Erik finally spoke, looking at her.

- No, thank you. Don't bother with me, Erik, I am just here if you need some support. But I ask nothing.

- Thank you. - Erik sighed in relief, sitting down. He sipped some of the wine, then removed his mask, and carelessly tossed it behind his back. It landed on the floor. It was another sign of his bad mood- he did not even pay attention to being painfully organized, as he was when he wasn't bothered by anything. With a deep sigh, he massaged his temples for a few moments, then searched in his pocket for the matches. He did not light the cigar though, only was turning the match between his long fingers. He seemed to be thinking. Christine gently massaged his shoulders without a word, as she knew Erik was always stiff when he was having problems. Erik looked up to her, glanced longly in her eyes, then finally smiled.

- Even if the world falls apart, you are here with me. You are my life and its meaning. Thank you.

- It is the darkest outside before dawn. - Christine reassured.

- I am not in the mood to argue about your endless optimism, my dear. - Erik sighed. - But I have to tell you I could use some words of encouragement at the moment.

- I am sure you did everything possible to save her. - Christine patted Erik's back.

- Mahtab thinks he killed her. - Erik moaned. - I told him it wasn't true, but… meh.

- Why? Did he try to revive her?

- She wasn't unconscious any more when we arrived there, only… she wasn't in the best of health. She was hysteric about me. You see, being Flo's father did not help the issue. This is why I should have just given her money to call a doctor in the first place. Damn it.

Christine, though she did not understand most of the situation Erik was talking about, did not ask any more questions, just as she promised it. It was a good sign in itself Erik did start to speak by himself. Nagging him would make him only more upset. He will tell what he has to tell to eas his pain, if she is patient. Erik noticed he wasn't asked f any bothering questions, and it made him feel at least somewhat calmer. He lay back in his chair, now looking at the match he was still twirling between his fingers.

- Do you mind if I smoke? - He asked softly.

- I never minded it. - Christine smiled. - Some of your cigars remind me of the smell of Papa. He used to smoke a pipe when he had money for tobacco, and some of the cigars you have smell like that.

Erik only nodded to that confession, and Christine's smile made him smile as well, only briefly, but it was a sign of hope they were able to work things out. He did not talk for long time, he was trying to calm himself by smoking, which was partly successful - this is why he did it sometimes in the first place.

- I was just worried about your voice in the past. - Christine talked out loud again, looking at Erik. - But you don't smoke so often to cause harm to it.

- This is why I never got addicted to it for a hundred percent. - He admitted. - The only appealing trait I have.

- You have more appealing things in you than just your voice. - Christine stated.

- I can imagine. - Erik shrugged.

- I would not trade you for anything.

Erik's pupils widened a bit, but then he smiled again.

- You keep telling me things like these up until the point I believe compliments. In the end you will be right. You tamed the Opera Ghost. - Another d sigh escaped from his lips and he took another sip of wine.

- Erik…? - Christine called out again after long minutes of silence.

- Yes, Christine? - He asked in a noticeably better mod.

- About your voice, something had come to my mind.

- What is that my love?

She did not reply, but took a deep breath and softly, not to wake anyone else in the house, she started humming as she leaned closer to Erik. "Romeo and Juliet." That special part which Erik had sang to her back in those days. It was a meaningful piece for both of them, yet it was rarely performed between them. They found it a wiser idea not to bother the Angel of Music issue too much after the wedding, but at that time Christine wanted to go back to the roots.

"Fate links thee to me forever and a day."

They sang together, softly, but full of love, and after a few moments they found themselves in each other's arms, and soon the duet stopped because their lips were sealed with a passionate, heartfelt kiss.

Silence fell on them and Christine felt so tired and calm in a strange way. She knew that a tragedy had happened, but love for his husband was more powerful at that time, and in Erik's embrace, she slowly ended up sitting on his lap, and her head was placed on Erik1s shoulder. He lovingly stroke her cheek with his thumb, softly and delightedly humming to her. His heart was freed from the burden, at least temporarily. He was so happy, holding Christine in his arms, after s an awkward and unfortunate evening. Only one thing was sure: he had a loving wife with him, who adored him no matter what. He thought it was unimaginable, but it was true: he had a wife for 23 years, and she did not get repulsed by him, despite all of the happenings taking place in their life together.

After some more cradling, Erik noticed his little wife had fallen asleep on his lap. Gently, not to wake her up, he carried her to the bedroom after a time and put her to bed, and as a loving and caring husband, he covered her up as well.

- God natt Kristine.

He whispered on his wife's rarely used native with love and walked away, not to bother her peaceful slumber.

In the salon, he noticed someone sitting in one of the armchairs. Oh, did Mahtab not receive enough laudanum and he woke up?

- Sweetie, go back to bed and I give you some more medicine. - He sighed softly.

- During all these years you have never called me sweetie, but I could use some explanation at least. I think it is you who needs medicine. - The Persian turned back to face Erik, who was indeed a bit of pale.

- You? - Erik snorted. - Why don't you sleep and keep your big nose out of my business?

- I believe you could feel better telling me what had happened. Drowning all these emotions won't do you any good. What is Moonlight's problem? Why he blames himself?

- It was a misfortunate turn of events which he can't do about. That witch was already in a bad shape, her heart just could not take all of this.

- All of what?

- At first, the bigger problem was, of course, that the ballet rat told her the news of her pregnancy too abruptly. Such an old thing can't handle stress too well. She told me the witch was unconscious, but she wasn't any more when we arrived. She spat out angrily she did not need any kind of doctors, especially not me, who was the father of that boy who ruined the girl's career. Good joke. I do believe Florian did not force the rat into bed with my pistol. Anyway, she was making too much noise and jumped around, even though she was hardly able to breathe. Mahtab… wanted to hold her still, but he wasn't careful enough to hold the witch's hands as well.

- Did she harm him?

- She… did, but not physically. - Erik looked away in embarrassment. - She ripped off the mask.

The Persian closed his eyes and shook his head rapidly.

- So you know. - Erik bit his lip and tried his best not to cry. - I tried telling him she would have died anyway… we were too late… and her heart was too weak… but now Mahtab thinks his face gave her the final shock.

- I understand now. - The Daroga nodded slowly. - But now what shall happen?

- I most certainly do not know. - Erik sighed. - The only thing I am sure about is that we now sure, and with a hundred percent accuracy, have to leave London. As soon as we are finished with the funeral.

- And… Lily?

- Now what can I do? - Erik waved in the air helplessly. - The rat is 15, and she has no relatives to take care of her. She comes with us. I am going to send her to the École des rats after she is in a good enough shape after the childbirth.

- But… who takes care of the child?

- Who- who? Who else than the happy grandparents. - Erik snorted. - They created that kid for us anyway. I raised my own kids and now I can start raising their kids. But one thing is sure: this is the last one. The very last one I am willing to help with.

- I knew you were going to change your mind.

- I am FORCED to.

- You would have. Anyway.

- You shall go and work at a circus with mind reading. - Erik remarked sarcastically. - Even if you are wrong, you will earn a lot. People are easy to fool.

- Moonlight will be sad. - The Daroga sighed. - Poor little dear, she faced this shock and she has to leave the city and his little lover.

- I tell you something. - Erik pointed at the Daroga with his index finger threateningly - But if I hear it back, I will be certain whose tongue to cut out.

- What is that? My lips are sealed.

- Bonnie is coming to Paris with us and starts her scholarship at The University of Arts.

- Allah… how could you make that happen?

- I spent a good and tiring 4 hours of convincing her father to realize what a great artist his daughter was and such paintings she can make, she has a good chance of having an exhibition at the city of arts and love. Paris is a cultural and artistic centre of Europe.

- Allah above, you sure work hard to make your children happy.

- They deserve it. - Erik wiped his forehead with a handkerchief. - Even if I die of it, they shall be as happy as they can be. This is a parent's job.