Raoul closed the folder sitting in front of him on his desk, running a hand through his hair.

"Velluae has me filling out all sorts of paperwork," Raoul muttered. "That man is insufferable." He glanced at his wife who had her arms folded as she leaned against the wall beside the window. She stared out into the snow, a distant look in her eyes. Raoul knew this behavior well. She was thinking about him.

"Christine," he said softly. He knew he didn't hold all of her heart, but he had hoped that if had loved her enough for the both of them, she would forget about Erik and they could finally leave the entire fiasco behind them. Raoul knew he was being naïve, but he couldn't just leave her. He still loved her with all of his heart.

She glanced at him before returning her eyes to the snow. She grunted, acknowledging Raoul's words but not actually responding. He knew it was best to leave her alone when she was like this, but he wondered why she was thinking about Erik now of all times.

"Christine," he said, walking up behind her and putting his hands on her shoulders. "What are you thinking about?"

She was silent for a time, and Raoul wondered if she had any intention of responding.

"He's here Raoul." She murmured. "I know he is."

Raoul blinked. "Why..." He didn't know what to say. "How do you know?" He said at last.

"Did... Did Alanna ever tell you who her fiancé was?" Christine asked quietly.

"... No ... But what does she have to do with-" Something clicked for Raoul. "Oh god."

She nodded. "I've asked around and no one even knew she was with anyone. Except Alice, who has never seen him." Christine said, staring down at her feet. "And I heard her say his name. Before she collapsed the other day." Christine gripped her arms tightly, fingers digging into the fabric of her sleeves.

"Christine..." Raoul backed away from her. He headed to the dresser by their bed, pulling out an old revolver he rarely used.

"What the hell are you doing?" Christine demanded.

"Finishing what I started 4 years ago in the graveyard." Raoul said savagely. "I'm not going to let him hurt anyone else."

"For god's sake, Raoul!" Christine said, gripping Raoul's arm. "Think about what you are doing! That man is the father of her child! The man she loves!" Christine insisted. "Are you really going to take that away from her?"

"He's manipulated her, defiled her," Raoul said through gritted teeth.

"It would destroy her! Which is why you didn't kill him then, and you won't kill him now." She said in earnest. "Talk to her, but don't do anything stupid. She almost lost her child, and what do you think killing Erik would do to her, manipulation or not?"

Raoul stared at her for a time. He set the revolver on his dresser. He pulled his cloak around his shoulders. "Fine. I'll talk to her. I won't do anything... Rash." He muttered bitterly.

()

I looked up from my book as Raoul entered my room, his face red, eyes narrowed.

"Raoul," I said in surprise. "What-"

"Who is your fiancé?" He asked quietly. "The man who fathered your child?"

My heart rate increased. He knew.

"These are rather personal questions, Raoul," I said, tugging on my braid. "I believe it is none of your business, either."

"If your fiancé is Erik Destler, it is my business." Raoul said. My heart skipped at beat.

"How..." My brain told me to deny the accusations, but my mouth wouldn't obey. I couldn't lie to him. "How did you find out?" I said weakly.

"So it's true." He said with wide eyes. "Oh my god... Alanna,"

"You can't tell anyone, Raoul," I said quickly. "Please."

"I'll kill him for touching you," Raoul said. "Where is that sonofabitch?" He demanded.

"Raoul!" I snapped. But Raoul's attention was diverted. Erik had appeared in my room. His face was placid and calm.

"What was that, Vicomte?" Erik said, his voice chilled. "Have you missed me, Monsieur?"

Raoul looked as though he wished to leap at Erik. I pushed back the covers of my bed and stood between the two men.

"Erik," I said, staring up at him, my eyebrows raised. "Don't you dare provoke him."

I spun to face Raoul. "And you, don't think you need to protect me. I can take care of myself."

He looked taken aback. "Alanna-"

"I'm not so weak that I would let some man coerce me into bed with him, or do you really think so little of me?"

Raoul blinked a few times. "I, uh..."

"I don't love Christine anymore." Erik said. "I recognize that she is your wife." Erik bowed his head respectfully.

I breathed a sigh of relief. I thought Erik would be worse.

Raoul looked between us.

"I won't be able to sleep another night knowing you reside here." Raoul said bitterly.

"I have no intention of bringing harm to your family." Erik said. "Now if you would kindly leave, Alanna needs rest."

Raoul opened his mouth then closed it, eyes still darting between my fiancé and I.

"This isn't over." He muttered before storming out.

I took a deep breath. "That happened."

Erik put his hands on my shoulders. "What I said was true." He said. "I don't love her anymore."

"I know."