READ THIS Author's Note: Sorry this took so long. I hate writer's block, but I managed to FINALLY
get over it. As we speak(or um, read) I'm typing up the next part of this story, the Epilogue. So don't
worry, there is one more part. I should have it up soon because I already know what it going to happen.
Just wait a little longer. You think you can???? Well, you're gonna have to. Bwahahahaha!!!
Kristen
Chapter twenty six
Music echoed through the house beneath the Paris Opera House. The sound of it was soothing to
Christine, who's mind was still in a state of confusion. She sat at the foot of her bed, staring at her reflection
in the vanity mirror. The stage make-up had been washed away and her hair was now hanging free, naturally
wavy and full. Christine had stripped out of her costume and dressed in the only thing left in the old room;
an ivory day dress.
Standing Christine slowly approached the door. She turned the knob and was happy to find the
door wasn't locked. She couldn't figure out why she thought it would be locked, but the idea of knowing it
wasn't made her feel at ease. Christine's hand trembled against the door's handle and she wondered if she
should venture out of the room. She had the feeling she should be frightened about something. Deep inside
something was telling her that no good will come from any of this.
Christine opened the door and stepped into the main room. The music had ceased without
Christine's knowledge. A fire was burning in the fire place and candles were let to illuminate the dark
corners. A cold chill drifted through the house, causing Christine to shiver. She pressed her lips together
and let her eyes wander the room.
"My angel."
A gloved hand caressed Christine's cheek. She followed the hand, turning to it's owner. Erik
stood before her, in all his glory. His eyes looked at her from behind the black mask that she had ripped
away on stage, in front of the Opera populare. He was dressed in full evening dress and seemed to be taller
than Christine had noticed before. A few locks of Erik's hair hung over his mask and his mouth was opened
slightly, as if waiting to speak. He said nothing to Christine. His eyes studied her and his hand lingered on
her cheek.
Erik pulled his hand away, his eyes turning away slightly. "You look beautiful, Christine." he said
softly. His voice lingered in the air as he turned away. Erik moved over to a an end table and pulled open a
draw. He took hold of something, but paused before turning around. "Christine, close your eyes. Don't
open them until I say so."
Christine didn't say a word, but did as she was told. Her mind was full of thoughts on what might
happen. She listened to Erik's footsteps come closer to her. He breathed out, his hot breath washing over
Christine's face. She felt something being placed on to her head, but didn't move. Her mind wandered to
what it could be.
Before her thoughts could develop, Erik took Christine by the hand. He lead her slowly, as if
leading a blind woman. She walked timidly, her free hand outstretched to one side to see where she was.
All she could feel was the stone cold wall and, every so often, a picture frame. Things seemed different with
her eyes closed and she began to think that Erik was leading her into a part of the house that she didn't
know. As she thought on, Christine pondered on how much of the house she hadn't seen.
Then Erik steadied, having her come to a stop. He stepped to one side and was silent for a
moment. Christine didn't open her eyes, keeping in mind that Erik had not ordered her to do so. Her heart
was racing in her chest. She was slightly afraid of what might be happening around her.
"Open your eyes." Erik breathed.
Christine's eyes fluttered open. The first thing she saw was her own reflection in a floor length
mirror. Her reflection stared back, wide eyed with wonder. Atop her wave of deep brown hair was a white
wedding veil, the tiara decorated with diamonds a light blue sapphires. Christine's breath caught in her
throat and she couldn't force herself to speak. She looked at Erik's reflection which was partially caught in
the mirror. His eyes stared at her through the glass. A soft smile passed over his lips and she felt something
stir within in her soul.
"A. . . . A wedding veil?" Christine stammered. She turned and looked at Erik. "How did you
know that I would agree to be your wife?"
Erik looked at Christine, unblinking. "I was going to have you, Christine, no matter what. If you
would have said no, on that stage, I would have taken you anyway, even by force. Deep inside, you know
that we are mean to be and I know this as well. You are mine, Christine."
Before Christine could make an effort to answer a bell suddenly rang from the darkness. Erik
smiled to himself. He turned and glanced at a grandfather clock near by. A soft laugh escaped him, causing
Christine to grow fearful. She looked back at her reflection. The reflection returned her gaze, but the eyes
held an emotion of hatred. A hatred, not to Erik, but to Christine. She had wounded her angel, ripping his
wings from his body and making it feel even more pain than was needed.
"Come, Christine." Erik said, causing Christine to snap out of her train of thought. She turned and
looked at him. Erik extended a gloved hand. "I have something I want show you."
Reluctantly Christine took Erik's hand. A new feeling of fear was bearing down on her as Erik
approached a door she had never seen. He produced a key which fit into a large lock. The door's handle
was black iron, trimmed with a deep red color. She had the sickening feeling that only death laid behind that
door. Erik opened the door and pulled Christine into the room.
**********
The room was small. There were two doors; the one that Raoul and Akil had wandered through
and another that led to a place beyond the walls. Akil had cursed himself the minuet they wandered through
the door. They had taken a wrong turn in the labyrinth and now they were trapped. Raoul was examining
the mirror on the wall, wondering it's purpose. He had tried to open the other door, but, as he expected, it
was bolted shut.
"What is this place?" Raoul asked aloud.
Akil let out a dreadful sigh and took a seat on a box that was placed on the floor. "The only thing
that I can think of is a torture chamber. How we die escapes me."
Raoul cursed beneath his breath. He continued to study the mirror. There was nothing out of the
ordinary about it. He continued to think on about the glass. Akil told him about the Phantom's days in
Persia, killing people as a profession. The mirror wasn't simply an object to look at themselves here. There
had to be something else to it.
"Oh my God! Raoul!"
The voice sliced through Raoul's thoughts like a knife. Christine's voice seemed to emanate from
the walls around him. Akil looked up, obviously hearing the cry. Raoul was turning about, hoping his
fiancée would call out again.
"Where are you, Christine?" Raoul cried out.
"On the other side of the mirror."
Raoul turned sharply and looked at his reflection. How could it be? The mirror looked so simple
and normal. Raoul remembered th mirror in Christine's dressing room. It had been the same. It looked
plain, nothing out of the ordinary. Than, with one movement the glass had moved and revealed a hidden
passageway. On the other side of that same mirror one could look into Christine's dressing room. This
mirror had to be the same.
Akil was soon by Raoul's side. He looked at his own reflection angrily. "Erik, I know you're
there. Do not do anything irrational. I can help you."
"To hell with you, Persian." Erik spat, his voice full of venom. "I called you a friend. You've
helped me through my life here. What do you do now? You betray me! You've lead this man to my home
and to Christine, the only reason why I still live. Now, my dear Persian, you will suffer the same fate as the
man you helped."
With a cry of anger Raoul began to pound on the glass. "Let her go, you monster. Do what you
like with me but let her go."
"Raoul, stop!" Christine cried. "It's useless now."
Erik laughed dryly. "Listen, my dear! Your lover is asking for his life instead of your life with me.
How sweet it that?"
Raoul closed his eyes angrily, his fist still against the mirror. "I love her. Does that mean nothing
to you? Show some type of human emotion. Don't you have any compassion?"
"The world has shown no compassion to me, Monsieur. I will return the feeling when it is given."
Erik growled.
"Please." Raoul said softly. A tear trickled down his cheek. "Let me see her. Just one more time.
Just let me see Christine."
There was a sudden moment of silence. Akil placed a hand on Raoul's shoulder, not knowing how
to comfort the young man. Slowly more tears formed in Raoul's eyes and streamed down his face. His
heart was broken and, now, his life was over. Christine would be left with the monster that was about to kill
him and the man who had tried so hard to help.
Suddenly the door opened with a loud creak. Raoul and Akil looked towards the door, shocked
and amazed. "Only Raoul may leave the room. Akil, you will stay there. I will finish you later."
**********
As Raoul stepped through the door he was greeted by the masked face of Erik. His eyes bored
through him, seeming to stare into the young man's soul. Erik closed and locked the door behind him. He
said nothing to Raoul but walked towards a door. The Vicomte followed angrily, half knowing that he may
be lead to his death but knowing that he was going to see Christine.
Raoul proceeded into the next room and came to a stop. The room was lavishly furnished and lit
by candles and a fire place on the other side of the room. Standing near the hearth was Christine. She
appeared to be ready for a wedding. She looked frightened but well for her state of mind and person. Her
eyes stared at Raoul from beneath the veil, pleading with him silently.
"Welcome, Monsieur le Vicomte, to my home. You should feel lucky to have seen this." Erik said
dryly. He left Raoul's side and approached Christine. He looked at her and smiled. "As you can see, I
haven't harmed her. I don't harm the innocent or women for that matter." Erik caressed Christine's cheek
and turned her gaze to him. His smile faded softly and he slowly moved towards Raoul once more. "Why
should anyone else pay for your sins?"
With cat like speed Erik pulled out the Punjab lasso and had it tightly around Raoul's neck.
Christine gave out a shrill scream of surprise, covering her face with her hands, sobbing into them. Raoul's
knees buckled and he fell to the floor, his hands at his throat trying to free himself. Erik smiled happily,
laughing softly as he pulled on the lasso, dragging Raoul's body towards.
Erik got to his knees and put his face near Raoul's. He tightened his grip on the lasso, pulling it
tighter around Raoul's neck. "My dear Christine. There is no Phantom of the Opera. There is nothing to
fear. I'll take you away from here. I'll help steal you away from the one man that could love you for your
soul and ruin his life." Erik said, his voice growing with anger. Raoul was starting to gasp for air as Erik
stood, looking down at him with abhorrence. "Nothing can save. Nothing but. . . ."
Slowly Erik' gaze turned to Christine. She was cowering next to the hearth, her body shaking with
fear and sobs. "Christine." Erik said, the anger in his voice subsiding. Christine looked up, her eyes wide
with fear. "Start a life with me. Leave your old life behind you. You do this and Raoul goes free. You
refuse my offer and I kill the damned fool."
"How can you do this to me?" Christine sobbed. "How? If I want to be with him, than he'll die. If
I remain with you to save his life, he'll suffer a broken heart for his life. Erik, all these days I've spent crying
for you mean nothing now. You've severed all my love."
"It's too late Christine." Erik growled. "You must make a choice. Your prayers and your damned
pity wont mean nothing to me now. You've hurt me more than I've hurt you. They love we had was
tainted the minuet you went with this bastard for dinner. I should have killed him then." He looked down at
Raoul. The lasso was loosened slightly, letting the poor man breath. "Either you choose, Christine, I will
win. So what will it be? Will you live with me for the rest of your days, or do you end his life and send him
to an early grave."
Raoul coughed and looked up at Erik angrily. "You know what she'll do. She'll lie to save me.
Christine doesn't love you anymore than I do. Which ever she chooses she will be miserable till she dies."
Raoul looked up to the ceiling and prayed that Christine would listen. "Christine, don't throw your life
away. I'll die if keeps you away from this monster. Take your freedom. I've fought so hard for it and I will
die for it."
Silence suddenly settled over the three of them. Christine stared into the fir, watching the flames
jump and trying to straighten out her thoughts. Erik was right. He'd win either way. If Christine stayed
with him, he would have won the love he wanted. If she took the other road, Erik would have his
vengeance and kill Raoul. There was no safe road.
Christine stood and looked at Erik. His eyes held no comforting emotion. His hands were
wrapped tightly around the lasso. A simple word could kill Raoul. Even angering Erik more could cause
him to snap and kill Raoul with one quick movement. Raoul didn't seem to care. Christine was all that
mattered in his mind. Nothing else.
"Your silence is trying my patience, Christine." Erik said, his voice hard with anger. He tugged on
the rope, causing Raoul to gag slightly. "If you take too long, I will kill him either way. Make your choice."
Delicately Christine walked towards Erik. "My pitiful creature of darkness. My beautiful angel of
music. The life you live is something not event he creatures of hell should bare." she said softly. She
stopped on inches away from Erik, starring into his eyes. They shook; filled too many emotions to handle.
Christine lifted the veil from her face and let out a soft sigh. "I may not be able to heal your wounds, but
God will give me the power to mend your heart. You will always be an angel in my eyes. I will show you
that you are not alone."
Christine leaned forwards, placing her lips over Erik's. For a moment he is shocked; amazed by
Christine's sudden show of emotion. He embraced her, returning the kiss that he had longed to have. They
held each other close, the kiss never breaking. Tears streamed down's Erik's cheeks, falling onto Christine's
cheeks like rain drops.
Erik pulled back, breaking the kiss. He didn't look at Christine and didn't wipe away his tears. He
turned to Raoul who looked up at the two with horror and amazement. With a simple movement the Punjab
lasso was removed from the Vicomte's neck. The lasso was returned to it's hidden place. Erik took a step
back, holding his breath. In a single moment he felt his life crumble around him as he watched Christine and
Raoul embrace.
A small bell suddenly sounded, catching the three off guard. Erik swore beneath his breath and he
looked at Christine and Raoul. They two looked at him, both confused by the noise. Erik turned and went
to an end table. He pulled out a key and tossed it at Raoul, who caught it easily.
"What's happening?" Christine asked.
"Apparently Raoul and Akil weren't the only ones looking for me. Come, follow me." Erik said
quickly. The two followed Erik to the front door. He opened and stepped to one side. "That key belongs
will open the mirror in Christine's room. It will take too long to explain where the button is. It is best to
use that. After you leave the opera house, destroy it."
Raoul nodded. "I will."
Christine looked at Erik with a confused expression. "What' going on?"
"I want you to take her away from here. Forget me and forget about this house beneath the opera.
Leave me here and forget all that you've seen in this opera house." Erik explained. He looked at Christine
but returned his eyes back to Raoul. "Take the my boat and swear never to speak of me to anyone, ever
again. Take my boat now."
Raoul took Christine's hand and hurried out the door. Christine pulled away from Raoul and ran
back to Erik. She took his hand and looked tearfully into his eyes. "Erik, come with us. Don't make me
go. I don't want to leave you here."
"You must go, Christine." Erik said. He placed his hands on Christine's shoulders. "If these
people find you and Raoul with me, who knows what might happen. Leave me, Christine. Leave and forget
all about me." He kissed her forehead softly. "Christine, I love you."
Christine's eyes filled with tears when she heard those words. She let out a sob. Raoul took
Christine and lead her to the dock. Erik turned away and closed the door, locking it behind him. His heart
ached. Despite the fact that he was in love with Christine, he knew that this was the only way to keep her
safe. She would learn to be happy.
"Meow."
Erik looked down and smiled faintly. Ayesha looked up at him, her blue eyes half open from the
nap she had taken. He scooped the cat up and held her close. She purred happily as Erik stroked her
cinnamon fur. "Come, Ayesha. We have to let Akil out and spend a few hours away from home. There
seems to be a group from the opera that wishes to see me, and I don't want to see them."
Without another word Erik left the main to free Akil. He already had an idea of what he could do
during the day. A trip to the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvers, and the Seine seemed comforting.
Treating Akil to a restaurant might be good enough to explain his actions. There would be enough time to
mend his friendship with his only ties to the real world.
get over it. As we speak(or um, read) I'm typing up the next part of this story, the Epilogue. So don't
worry, there is one more part. I should have it up soon because I already know what it going to happen.
Just wait a little longer. You think you can???? Well, you're gonna have to. Bwahahahaha!!!
Kristen
Chapter twenty six
Music echoed through the house beneath the Paris Opera House. The sound of it was soothing to
Christine, who's mind was still in a state of confusion. She sat at the foot of her bed, staring at her reflection
in the vanity mirror. The stage make-up had been washed away and her hair was now hanging free, naturally
wavy and full. Christine had stripped out of her costume and dressed in the only thing left in the old room;
an ivory day dress.
Standing Christine slowly approached the door. She turned the knob and was happy to find the
door wasn't locked. She couldn't figure out why she thought it would be locked, but the idea of knowing it
wasn't made her feel at ease. Christine's hand trembled against the door's handle and she wondered if she
should venture out of the room. She had the feeling she should be frightened about something. Deep inside
something was telling her that no good will come from any of this.
Christine opened the door and stepped into the main room. The music had ceased without
Christine's knowledge. A fire was burning in the fire place and candles were let to illuminate the dark
corners. A cold chill drifted through the house, causing Christine to shiver. She pressed her lips together
and let her eyes wander the room.
"My angel."
A gloved hand caressed Christine's cheek. She followed the hand, turning to it's owner. Erik
stood before her, in all his glory. His eyes looked at her from behind the black mask that she had ripped
away on stage, in front of the Opera populare. He was dressed in full evening dress and seemed to be taller
than Christine had noticed before. A few locks of Erik's hair hung over his mask and his mouth was opened
slightly, as if waiting to speak. He said nothing to Christine. His eyes studied her and his hand lingered on
her cheek.
Erik pulled his hand away, his eyes turning away slightly. "You look beautiful, Christine." he said
softly. His voice lingered in the air as he turned away. Erik moved over to a an end table and pulled open a
draw. He took hold of something, but paused before turning around. "Christine, close your eyes. Don't
open them until I say so."
Christine didn't say a word, but did as she was told. Her mind was full of thoughts on what might
happen. She listened to Erik's footsteps come closer to her. He breathed out, his hot breath washing over
Christine's face. She felt something being placed on to her head, but didn't move. Her mind wandered to
what it could be.
Before her thoughts could develop, Erik took Christine by the hand. He lead her slowly, as if
leading a blind woman. She walked timidly, her free hand outstretched to one side to see where she was.
All she could feel was the stone cold wall and, every so often, a picture frame. Things seemed different with
her eyes closed and she began to think that Erik was leading her into a part of the house that she didn't
know. As she thought on, Christine pondered on how much of the house she hadn't seen.
Then Erik steadied, having her come to a stop. He stepped to one side and was silent for a
moment. Christine didn't open her eyes, keeping in mind that Erik had not ordered her to do so. Her heart
was racing in her chest. She was slightly afraid of what might be happening around her.
"Open your eyes." Erik breathed.
Christine's eyes fluttered open. The first thing she saw was her own reflection in a floor length
mirror. Her reflection stared back, wide eyed with wonder. Atop her wave of deep brown hair was a white
wedding veil, the tiara decorated with diamonds a light blue sapphires. Christine's breath caught in her
throat and she couldn't force herself to speak. She looked at Erik's reflection which was partially caught in
the mirror. His eyes stared at her through the glass. A soft smile passed over his lips and she felt something
stir within in her soul.
"A. . . . A wedding veil?" Christine stammered. She turned and looked at Erik. "How did you
know that I would agree to be your wife?"
Erik looked at Christine, unblinking. "I was going to have you, Christine, no matter what. If you
would have said no, on that stage, I would have taken you anyway, even by force. Deep inside, you know
that we are mean to be and I know this as well. You are mine, Christine."
Before Christine could make an effort to answer a bell suddenly rang from the darkness. Erik
smiled to himself. He turned and glanced at a grandfather clock near by. A soft laugh escaped him, causing
Christine to grow fearful. She looked back at her reflection. The reflection returned her gaze, but the eyes
held an emotion of hatred. A hatred, not to Erik, but to Christine. She had wounded her angel, ripping his
wings from his body and making it feel even more pain than was needed.
"Come, Christine." Erik said, causing Christine to snap out of her train of thought. She turned and
looked at him. Erik extended a gloved hand. "I have something I want show you."
Reluctantly Christine took Erik's hand. A new feeling of fear was bearing down on her as Erik
approached a door she had never seen. He produced a key which fit into a large lock. The door's handle
was black iron, trimmed with a deep red color. She had the sickening feeling that only death laid behind that
door. Erik opened the door and pulled Christine into the room.
**********
The room was small. There were two doors; the one that Raoul and Akil had wandered through
and another that led to a place beyond the walls. Akil had cursed himself the minuet they wandered through
the door. They had taken a wrong turn in the labyrinth and now they were trapped. Raoul was examining
the mirror on the wall, wondering it's purpose. He had tried to open the other door, but, as he expected, it
was bolted shut.
"What is this place?" Raoul asked aloud.
Akil let out a dreadful sigh and took a seat on a box that was placed on the floor. "The only thing
that I can think of is a torture chamber. How we die escapes me."
Raoul cursed beneath his breath. He continued to study the mirror. There was nothing out of the
ordinary about it. He continued to think on about the glass. Akil told him about the Phantom's days in
Persia, killing people as a profession. The mirror wasn't simply an object to look at themselves here. There
had to be something else to it.
"Oh my God! Raoul!"
The voice sliced through Raoul's thoughts like a knife. Christine's voice seemed to emanate from
the walls around him. Akil looked up, obviously hearing the cry. Raoul was turning about, hoping his
fiancée would call out again.
"Where are you, Christine?" Raoul cried out.
"On the other side of the mirror."
Raoul turned sharply and looked at his reflection. How could it be? The mirror looked so simple
and normal. Raoul remembered th mirror in Christine's dressing room. It had been the same. It looked
plain, nothing out of the ordinary. Than, with one movement the glass had moved and revealed a hidden
passageway. On the other side of that same mirror one could look into Christine's dressing room. This
mirror had to be the same.
Akil was soon by Raoul's side. He looked at his own reflection angrily. "Erik, I know you're
there. Do not do anything irrational. I can help you."
"To hell with you, Persian." Erik spat, his voice full of venom. "I called you a friend. You've
helped me through my life here. What do you do now? You betray me! You've lead this man to my home
and to Christine, the only reason why I still live. Now, my dear Persian, you will suffer the same fate as the
man you helped."
With a cry of anger Raoul began to pound on the glass. "Let her go, you monster. Do what you
like with me but let her go."
"Raoul, stop!" Christine cried. "It's useless now."
Erik laughed dryly. "Listen, my dear! Your lover is asking for his life instead of your life with me.
How sweet it that?"
Raoul closed his eyes angrily, his fist still against the mirror. "I love her. Does that mean nothing
to you? Show some type of human emotion. Don't you have any compassion?"
"The world has shown no compassion to me, Monsieur. I will return the feeling when it is given."
Erik growled.
"Please." Raoul said softly. A tear trickled down his cheek. "Let me see her. Just one more time.
Just let me see Christine."
There was a sudden moment of silence. Akil placed a hand on Raoul's shoulder, not knowing how
to comfort the young man. Slowly more tears formed in Raoul's eyes and streamed down his face. His
heart was broken and, now, his life was over. Christine would be left with the monster that was about to kill
him and the man who had tried so hard to help.
Suddenly the door opened with a loud creak. Raoul and Akil looked towards the door, shocked
and amazed. "Only Raoul may leave the room. Akil, you will stay there. I will finish you later."
**********
As Raoul stepped through the door he was greeted by the masked face of Erik. His eyes bored
through him, seeming to stare into the young man's soul. Erik closed and locked the door behind him. He
said nothing to Raoul but walked towards a door. The Vicomte followed angrily, half knowing that he may
be lead to his death but knowing that he was going to see Christine.
Raoul proceeded into the next room and came to a stop. The room was lavishly furnished and lit
by candles and a fire place on the other side of the room. Standing near the hearth was Christine. She
appeared to be ready for a wedding. She looked frightened but well for her state of mind and person. Her
eyes stared at Raoul from beneath the veil, pleading with him silently.
"Welcome, Monsieur le Vicomte, to my home. You should feel lucky to have seen this." Erik said
dryly. He left Raoul's side and approached Christine. He looked at her and smiled. "As you can see, I
haven't harmed her. I don't harm the innocent or women for that matter." Erik caressed Christine's cheek
and turned her gaze to him. His smile faded softly and he slowly moved towards Raoul once more. "Why
should anyone else pay for your sins?"
With cat like speed Erik pulled out the Punjab lasso and had it tightly around Raoul's neck.
Christine gave out a shrill scream of surprise, covering her face with her hands, sobbing into them. Raoul's
knees buckled and he fell to the floor, his hands at his throat trying to free himself. Erik smiled happily,
laughing softly as he pulled on the lasso, dragging Raoul's body towards.
Erik got to his knees and put his face near Raoul's. He tightened his grip on the lasso, pulling it
tighter around Raoul's neck. "My dear Christine. There is no Phantom of the Opera. There is nothing to
fear. I'll take you away from here. I'll help steal you away from the one man that could love you for your
soul and ruin his life." Erik said, his voice growing with anger. Raoul was starting to gasp for air as Erik
stood, looking down at him with abhorrence. "Nothing can save. Nothing but. . . ."
Slowly Erik' gaze turned to Christine. She was cowering next to the hearth, her body shaking with
fear and sobs. "Christine." Erik said, the anger in his voice subsiding. Christine looked up, her eyes wide
with fear. "Start a life with me. Leave your old life behind you. You do this and Raoul goes free. You
refuse my offer and I kill the damned fool."
"How can you do this to me?" Christine sobbed. "How? If I want to be with him, than he'll die. If
I remain with you to save his life, he'll suffer a broken heart for his life. Erik, all these days I've spent crying
for you mean nothing now. You've severed all my love."
"It's too late Christine." Erik growled. "You must make a choice. Your prayers and your damned
pity wont mean nothing to me now. You've hurt me more than I've hurt you. They love we had was
tainted the minuet you went with this bastard for dinner. I should have killed him then." He looked down at
Raoul. The lasso was loosened slightly, letting the poor man breath. "Either you choose, Christine, I will
win. So what will it be? Will you live with me for the rest of your days, or do you end his life and send him
to an early grave."
Raoul coughed and looked up at Erik angrily. "You know what she'll do. She'll lie to save me.
Christine doesn't love you anymore than I do. Which ever she chooses she will be miserable till she dies."
Raoul looked up to the ceiling and prayed that Christine would listen. "Christine, don't throw your life
away. I'll die if keeps you away from this monster. Take your freedom. I've fought so hard for it and I will
die for it."
Silence suddenly settled over the three of them. Christine stared into the fir, watching the flames
jump and trying to straighten out her thoughts. Erik was right. He'd win either way. If Christine stayed
with him, he would have won the love he wanted. If she took the other road, Erik would have his
vengeance and kill Raoul. There was no safe road.
Christine stood and looked at Erik. His eyes held no comforting emotion. His hands were
wrapped tightly around the lasso. A simple word could kill Raoul. Even angering Erik more could cause
him to snap and kill Raoul with one quick movement. Raoul didn't seem to care. Christine was all that
mattered in his mind. Nothing else.
"Your silence is trying my patience, Christine." Erik said, his voice hard with anger. He tugged on
the rope, causing Raoul to gag slightly. "If you take too long, I will kill him either way. Make your choice."
Delicately Christine walked towards Erik. "My pitiful creature of darkness. My beautiful angel of
music. The life you live is something not event he creatures of hell should bare." she said softly. She
stopped on inches away from Erik, starring into his eyes. They shook; filled too many emotions to handle.
Christine lifted the veil from her face and let out a soft sigh. "I may not be able to heal your wounds, but
God will give me the power to mend your heart. You will always be an angel in my eyes. I will show you
that you are not alone."
Christine leaned forwards, placing her lips over Erik's. For a moment he is shocked; amazed by
Christine's sudden show of emotion. He embraced her, returning the kiss that he had longed to have. They
held each other close, the kiss never breaking. Tears streamed down's Erik's cheeks, falling onto Christine's
cheeks like rain drops.
Erik pulled back, breaking the kiss. He didn't look at Christine and didn't wipe away his tears. He
turned to Raoul who looked up at the two with horror and amazement. With a simple movement the Punjab
lasso was removed from the Vicomte's neck. The lasso was returned to it's hidden place. Erik took a step
back, holding his breath. In a single moment he felt his life crumble around him as he watched Christine and
Raoul embrace.
A small bell suddenly sounded, catching the three off guard. Erik swore beneath his breath and he
looked at Christine and Raoul. They two looked at him, both confused by the noise. Erik turned and went
to an end table. He pulled out a key and tossed it at Raoul, who caught it easily.
"What's happening?" Christine asked.
"Apparently Raoul and Akil weren't the only ones looking for me. Come, follow me." Erik said
quickly. The two followed Erik to the front door. He opened and stepped to one side. "That key belongs
will open the mirror in Christine's room. It will take too long to explain where the button is. It is best to
use that. After you leave the opera house, destroy it."
Raoul nodded. "I will."
Christine looked at Erik with a confused expression. "What' going on?"
"I want you to take her away from here. Forget me and forget about this house beneath the opera.
Leave me here and forget all that you've seen in this opera house." Erik explained. He looked at Christine
but returned his eyes back to Raoul. "Take the my boat and swear never to speak of me to anyone, ever
again. Take my boat now."
Raoul took Christine's hand and hurried out the door. Christine pulled away from Raoul and ran
back to Erik. She took his hand and looked tearfully into his eyes. "Erik, come with us. Don't make me
go. I don't want to leave you here."
"You must go, Christine." Erik said. He placed his hands on Christine's shoulders. "If these
people find you and Raoul with me, who knows what might happen. Leave me, Christine. Leave and forget
all about me." He kissed her forehead softly. "Christine, I love you."
Christine's eyes filled with tears when she heard those words. She let out a sob. Raoul took
Christine and lead her to the dock. Erik turned away and closed the door, locking it behind him. His heart
ached. Despite the fact that he was in love with Christine, he knew that this was the only way to keep her
safe. She would learn to be happy.
"Meow."
Erik looked down and smiled faintly. Ayesha looked up at him, her blue eyes half open from the
nap she had taken. He scooped the cat up and held her close. She purred happily as Erik stroked her
cinnamon fur. "Come, Ayesha. We have to let Akil out and spend a few hours away from home. There
seems to be a group from the opera that wishes to see me, and I don't want to see them."
Without another word Erik left the main to free Akil. He already had an idea of what he could do
during the day. A trip to the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvers, and the Seine seemed comforting.
Treating Akil to a restaurant might be good enough to explain his actions. There would be enough time to
mend his friendship with his only ties to the real world.
