Disclaimer: I own nothing, not the anime, the book, or the play ^_^!

Author's notes: Hey people, sorry for the wait. Let's all thank Salt-the-Catgirl and Jocanda for reviewing and reminding me that I need to get my butt moving and have the next chapter out ^_^. Thanks, you guys for the reviews, I really appreciate. Anyway, this fic is almost done, maybe two more chapters. I have the ending all planned out, just need to type it. Sorry again, school and work has really been keeping me busy. I'm not even sure I have time to write out the other fanfics I've been working on. *screams and pulls on hair* But I promise that I'll get this story finished. I have yet to leave a fanfic unfinished and I swear I'll never do that. Now, enough babbling, on with the story, enjoy!

Chapter 8

Kagetsu heaved a sigh as he settled behind the desk in his study. The second trip back from Perros had been tiring, but it would have been worth it if Madame Valerius had been able to give him the information he need. As it turned out, she was unable to produce Tiara's whereabouts. Granted new developments have arisen, but all he got from the conversation with her was more mystery.

The woman had admitted to knowing about Tiara's acquaintance with Graham and that he would often take her out of the Opera house for training. But where exactly he takes her, Madame Valerius was not sure. The older woman believed with all her heart that this Graham was the angel of music Tiara had mentioned. But the woman also warned Kagetsu that the man had a possessive streak and that it would do him wise to leave the young singer alone.

The Viscount's hands clenched on top of the desk, knowing full well that he could never heed the woman's advice. Whoever this Graham was, he certainly had everyone fooled. But not Kagetsu. No, he was going to get to the bottom of this whole mystery and in the end he will have Tiara back.

"Your Grace," Nigel spoke from the doorway.

Kagetsu looked up in surprise. "I'm sorry, Nigel. I didn't notice you there."

"Quit alright, Sir. I would assume the trip tired you out." The other man advanced into the room, an envelope clasped in his left hand. "I just thought that I'd give this to you before you retire for the day. It was delivered by the same gentleman over a week ago. He asked that you dispose of this letter as you did with the other one. I daresay this is becoming quite a habit."

The young man hurriedly read the letter, knowing whom it was from. Without another word he threw the note at the waiting fire and frowned.

"Is everything alright, your Grace," asked the butler.

"It appears I'm being summoned to attend a masquerade ball at the Paris Opera."

*****

Tiara nervously scanned the crowd in the huge drawing room. Her heart skipped a beat as her eyes fixed to the right. There by the fireplace stood a man with a mask and in a white domino. She had asked Kagetsu to wear it when she invited him to come to the ball two days ago. Taking a deep breath she checked to see that her mask was in place and carefully made her way towards him. When she was within a foot of Kagetsu, Tiara gave his wrist a little tug and whispered, "Follow me."

The two discreetly made their way across the lobby and up into one of the empty boxes. Once alone inside, Kagetsu took off his mask and opened his mouth only to have Tiara place a gloved hand over it and pointed looked at the door. The Viscount tensed when he heard the sounds of footsteps outside the hall.

Tiara removed her own mask and after a few seconds moved toward that door to open it a crack. The young man peered outside with her and they both saw a figure in a red cloak about to turn the corner.

"Graham…" she murmured absently.

Kagetsu looked at the girl beside him and at the retreating figure. "This ends now."

He made to go after the phantom, but Tiara firmly pulled him back into the box. "What do you think you're doing?"

"I'm going to unmask this so called phantom or angel of music as you call him and show you that he's just some man that's got everyone fooled."

Green eyes widened in fright. "No, please don't go out there. Promise me you won't face him. In the name of our love, promise me."

"Love?" Kagetsu looked down at her mockingly. "You talk to me about love when you all but slapped it back to my face when I declared my own emotions for you."

"Please, you have to understand. I had to do it for you. I love you and I couldn't bear it if-"

"Lie," he interjected softly. "Why do you continually tell me lies."

"But I do love you," she said tearfully. "I've wanted to tell you so many times, but I feared it might cause me to lose you forever." Tiara turned towards the door, one hand poised to open it. "Maybe someday you'll understand and forgive me. I wanted to meet you tonight and tell you goodbye … forever … since we may never see each other again."

Kagetsu spun her back around in shock. "What do you mean we won't see each other again?"

"I … He's taking me away. It's for the best."

"Who's taking you away? Graham?"

Tiara looked up in surprise. "So you know."

"I heard you say his name. I've also talked to Madame Valerius."

She looked away dejectedly. "You're right when you said he was just a man. But when I first met him I really thought he was the angel of music my father talked about. Then one day he brought me … somewhere … and I saw that he was as mortal as I am. He hides from everyone because of his disfigured face. He's not a bad person … just misunderstood. I'm all he's got, I won't abandon him like the others did." Tiara looked at him pleadingly. "Please understand, he's my friend. But if I don't do as he says, he may … He can be dangerous, Kagetsu. If he knew just how much I care for you-"

"Shh," he told her as he wrapped his arms around her. "All will be well. I can look after myself."

Tiara stayed where she was and savored the warmth enveloping her. She wanted to stay within the circle of his arms forever, but knew that reality would be crashing in on them any minute now. Tiara felt Kagetsu pull away a little and looked up at him.

"Tiara, you trust me, right?" The orange-haired girl nodded. "Good, I promise you we'll get through this."

He pulled off his signet ring and placed it on the palm of her hand. "I don't have a proper ring at the moment, but take this for now."

"Kagetsu?"

"I shall drop by the shop tomorrow and buy you an engagement ring fit for a queen. "

"Oh, Kagetsu, you know I love you. But if Graham finds out-"

The Viscount placed a finger on her lips. "He need not know of our engagement. We shall keep it a secret until we've cleared all this out. I love you and I will not lose another chance to have you by my side." He lowered his head and touched his lips to hers.

Tiara closed her eyes and surrendered to the kiss. She felt joy like no other and at the same time apprehension so great that she feared both emotions would tear her heart apart. She knew that Graham will find a way to destroy the happiness she had found, but for know she plans to enjoy every single second she has engaged to the one who has always held her heart.

Minutes later the couple walked out of the box hand in hand unaware of the figure that stepped out of the shadow. Bright eyes gleamed from behind the white mask as the conversation he overhead turned in his head.

"You will curse the day you ever thought you could go against me. Nobody takes what is mine."