Erik's eyes snapped open as he was jerked from sleep. He sat up, trying to regain control of his breathing. He pressed a hand to his head, wondering what he had been dreaming about. He couldn't remember now, but the lingering sensation of panic remained. Alanna shifted beside him and he froze, hoping that he didn't wake her. She needed her sleep.

"Are you okay?" She asked blearily.

"I'm alright, love." He murmured. "Go back to sleep," he said softly. "It's nothing, I promise."

She laid her head back down and fell asleep. He had forgotten what a light sleeper she was. He settled back onto the pillow, pulling her body close to his. He ran a hand over her stomach, wondering about the baby. He nestled his nose into her hair, knowing that he was right where he needed to be.

()

"Are you fit for the stage?" Erik asked as his fiancé braided her hair. "The accident... And with Christine back, it isn't necessary that you continue to push yourself."

She continued stubbornly. There was very little she could do anymore to hide her condition, and her simple gray gown did nothing to conceal her pregnancy.

"I'm alright." She said quietly. But Erik wasn't sure. "I'm going to meet with Christine today, and we're... Going to talk, I guess. I'm not really sure. But I was promised one more performance before Velluae sent me on my way."

Erik took her up in his arms, and she responded weakly.

"I just want to be sure you and the baby are going to be okay," he murmured.

"I said I was fine."

()

"Well, I'm certainly glad you lived up to the standards set by the title of leading lady," Christine said cooly. "I've heard good things from the cast." Her beautiful face was framed by an icy chill that could only be detected by a careful eye. Why Erik had ever fallen for someone so cold was beyond me. We sat across from each other in front if Velluae's desk, sitting in the plump cushy chairs Velluae only pulled out when he was treading carefully.

"We'll make sure to work you into the show as soon as possible," Velluae said. "You can work with Alanna to help the transition be smoother."

"Of course. What show has been on the bill this season?" Christine asked.

"Don Juan Triumphant." Velluae said.

Christine stood suddenly.

"Excuse me?" She demanded. "There must be some mistake. All music relating to that damned show burned in the fire at the Populaire." Christine said insistently. If I had any doubts about this being the Christine who was involved with Erik, they were gone now.

Velluae was stunned by her reaction.

"Miss Daae, I-"

"Never mind. Alanna, come, we must discuss the show." Christine said, leaving the office. I bid farewell to Velluae and hurried after her.

"I'm sorry," she said once I caught up. "That man... I don't how he hasn't run this theater into the ground." She muttered.

"By shutting up anyone who dares to upset the balance," I responded, putting my hands on my stomach. She glanced at me out of the corner of her eye.

"I know how you feel. I rose quickly at the Polulaire, and many were jealous of my ability. They isolated me. Only my closest friend stayed at my side. And not many people know this... But I was pregnant with Gustav before Raoul and I married."

"You were?" I said, thoroughly surprised.

She nodded. "His family was appalled. They insisted that we went our separate ways, convinced that the child wasn't Raoul's and I was using it to marry into a rich family. Raoul and I eloped before Gustav was born and I got the job here once he was." She ran a hand over her tight, corkscrew curls that fell from her head in perfectly controlled springs before smiling sideways at me. "I'm sorry you are forced to leave. Being on stage is the best feeling in the world."

"It really is."

"But," she added. "So is being a mother. Married or not, you have an interesting journey ahead of you."

I smiled. "You're the only one who hasn't badgered me about who the father was or anything like that."

"It isn't any of my business." Christine said simply.

I gasped as pain pierced my abdomen, causing my already weak knees to buckle beneath me. I hit the ground hard as I slumped against the wall, arms tight around my middle. I grit my teeth against the pain, my heart racing with panic. The doctor warned me that I could miscarry, but that prospect didn't seem likely until this moment.

"Alanna!" Christine cried out. "What's wrong? What's happening?"

My panicked gasps for air turned to sobs as I felt warm liquid pooling beneath me.

"What's going on?"

"I heard yelling!"

Voices of the other inhabitants of the opera house managed to break through the cloud of despair that now hung around me. I slumped over, unconsciousness inevitable, and I wished the man I loved was here, where was he? Why wasn't he here with me?

"Erik..."