Erik lifted his eyes to the heavens as Alanna tugged on his arm impatiently.

"You're my fiancé. I want to be able to... I don't know, be seen with you in public?" Alanna sat down on her bed, arms folded stubbornly. Erik's face softened. He knew this was hard on her, but she knew what she was getting into when she agreed to marry Erik. He couldn't risk being seen in public.

"As the leading lady," she said, arms still folded in defiance, "I'm required to keep up appearances like the winter ball." She said. "And I don't want to go without you. I know being around people makes you uncomfortable, but... I've made so many allowances already. So what if I have to make one more." She said the last part with heavy sarcasm Erik did not fail to miss. He twisted his mouth as he stared at her, hands at his hips. He felt slightly bad, but no quite enough to make him give in to her request.

"What if I'm recognized? What then?"

"No one will recognize you." Alanna said, her patience waning. Her temper seemed closer and closer to breaking since each day went on. Since the day she passed out onstage, things had been different between them. Erik didn't know why Alanna was suddenly more sensitive to his not wanting to make any appearances in public.

"Madam Giry?" Erik retorted.

"If you listened to anything I said, you would already know that she's visiting her daughter over the holiday." Alanna snapped. Erik's guilt heightened.

"My mask...?" It was a weak argument, but it was the only objection he could dig up. "It's recognizable."

Alanna jumped to her feet, snatching the mask from his face angrily. "Then don't wear it!"

Erik grabbed her wrist gently, staring into her cold, gray eyes. "You know I can't do that. My deformities are as distinct as the mask."

Alanna jerked her arm away, huffing angrily. She handed the mask back before turning toward the door of her dressing room.

"Fine. Don't go for all I care."

Erik could tell this was important to her. Reluctantly, he stuck out his hand and grabbed her shoulder before she had a chance to leave.

"I'll go. Okay, happy now?" Erik muttered.

"I suppose." She said. "I just..." She muttered something and left the room. Erik was tempted to follow, but be decided against it. He cursed under his breath and sat heavily on Alanna's bed, face in his hands.

What had changed? Why was she acting this way?

Erik wondered if he were losing her.