A/N: Alright, I know this seems soon, but really it's what I thought I
would get through in the last chapter before word count grew ridiculously.
I am very nervous about this chapter, I've never written a heavy Erik
chapter before and I'm paranoid that I've screwed him up somewhere. Despite
how quickly I've added this, this was not an easy chapter to write so
please let me know what you think.
Thanks so much to my reviewers so far. Olethros, as always your input is greatly appreciated. And I do agree with you that Erik would be too efficient a killer and simply knocked her out... But then she'd be dead and I'd have no story : P oh and I definitely caught the mask bit, much to my embarrassment. Anyways, enough incredibly long authors notes...
~*~
Danielle felt the man behind her stiffen after she spoke her words. They stood there, silently together for what seemed like an eternity to the poor girl. If only he would do something, anything, she thought nervously, but instead she was forced to endure this foreboding silence. Her heart raced to a new speed as she doubted her chances at survival. What if he didn't believe her? Perhaps he didn't know who she was, or didn't care even? What could she hope to expect from this man who was ready to kill her with out reason?
As she stood, her trembling became more and more apparent as her legs weakened beneath her. Still he did not move. The only thing she could really feel was the heavy rise and fall of his chest against her back, an almost soothing sensation in contrast to the panic running rampant amongst her senses. The knife was also no longer firmly pressed to her throat. At this realization a wave of relief overcame her in a tide which nearly made her swoon in his arms if he had not already let go of her.
She watched cautiously as he slowly circled to face her, his eyes locked to her own with a terrifying intensity. He closed in, gently placing his hand beneath her chin and drawing his face near as he made his careful inspection. Danielle knew she should run, that this could be her only opportunity to escape, but those burning eyes held her fast, leaving her body in paralysis. Staring into that black mask with those golden eyes was like staring into the face of a fantastic demon -- merely drawing out the suffering of its victim before consuming her completely.
The demon's eyes softened as once again a few tears escaped down the trembling girls cheeks. She knew how she must appear to him; even in such a situation she couldn't help but think of her hurt pride, that she had allowed him to see her fear. Her eyes were red and swollen while her face was blotched with pigments of red against her colourless flesh. She must have looked utterly pathetic to him, the perfect victim. At last he let his hand drop and backed away slightly.
"Christine..." he whispered softly, in a way which sounded almost as though he were about to weep.
Danielle stood nervously as the man found some sort of recognition in her face. She knew it was difficult to see but it was there none the less, it was in her eyes, the shape of her jaw line, her mouth and smile. "She was my mother." The girl replied mechanically after a moment past with him still looking at her.
Danielle watched the man turn away from her, and with ungraceful steps moved towards the dresser, placing the knife down where she had retrieved it. Allowing his hands to settle on its dusty surface, he rested his weight upon the old worn wood.
She heard his deep intake of breath as he did so, and was he trembling? She did not know. As she simply remained in her place, unable to make a single step, Danielle stared at the mass of black now turned away from her. She was at a complete loss as to what to do. Could this man, this thing, really be her father? The unwelcome idea raced through her mind as she stood dumbly.
"Then you know who I am?" Danielle at last spoke, unable to hide the nervousness in her voice.
"I do." He replied without movement.
"And then you know what I am to you?"
There was a loud exhale of breath before the man replied. "Only since I read the paper mentioning your dismissal."
Silence. Still he did not move, but it was of no matter, if he had Danielle would not have noticed. Wave after wave of emotions were busy flooding her senses as she heard that final confirmation. How could it be true? How could they do this to her? All those years her life was a lie! Was it simply so that her mother could save face? Did they do it for her vanity, and in the end, Nicolas's accusations about her were indeed correct? Danielle's life ruined for the sake of her mothers reputation!
Anger and betrayal coursed through her very veins as a scorching fury gained rapid control of her conscious. She had come here with the hope of finding answers to her many questions but instead what she found was a lifetime of lies and deception. Bitter resentment clouded her senses as a fog of impudence descended on her nerves. She looked over at the hunched man who was unaware of the transformation taking place behind him. She could not accept this, this truth, it was simply intolerable. What was his part in this little infidelity? She would have her answers. Danielle's eyes turned to thin slits as she glared without fear at his imposing figure.
"Tell me," she began in mock sarcasm, "did you use a knife when you did it or did you simply cover her mouth... or perhaps you preferred to let her scream?"
He whirled round to face the defiant girl, shocked by her words. It took him a moment before he even comprehended what it was exactly that she was implying.
"Or maybe this was just the way you had her pay for her music lessons? The willing whore perhaps?" Danielle's voice was scathing with hatred as every instance, every unforgettable moment of mockery and humiliation brought about by her 'questionable parentage' flashed through her mind, stirring the demon in her.
"How dare you speak of her like that!" Erik hissed, taking a deliberate step towards her. He made full use of his height as he stared threateningly at the girl.
"How dare she raise me as she did! Come now, were you the only one or are there others to whom I may belong? It appears she enjoyed the wealthy, possibly there were other patrons she served as well?" She refused to back down, knowing that she could very well be provoking his anger, she did not care. Let him kill her, she thought sardonically, it would be a fitting end now that she had nothing at all.
Erik grabbed her roughly by the top of her arm and held her firmly in place, bringing his head near. "One would think that after what you just went through, you would learn to hold your tongue my dear."
His voice chilled her very flesh with its menace but still she did not falter. With a wry smile she looked him over confidently. "One would think that after what I just went through, I would have no doubt that you would force her."
At this he let go of her arm abruptly with a quick shove. The force caused her to step back a few paces, stopping only once her back lightly touched the cool surface of the mirror. He turned away from her angrily only to round back and nearly shout, "You are speaking of things you clearly know nothing about!"
"Of course I am! All I know is that a few days ago I had a family, life, and future. And now my father, my real father that is, is dead and I have nothing! Only the knowledge that my entire existence was a complete lie and that now my biggest concern seems to be that of which bridge I'll have to sleep under tonight. So forgive me for my impertinence, but from what knowledge I do have, all I can gather is that either you coerced my mother or she was a tramp. You tell me." The last line came out as a sob; she couldn't believe she was crying again. Using her hands to quickly wipe away her tears, Danielle could see she was visible shaking once more. Damn her for being so weak, she thought bitterly.
The anger that she had for her own inability to stand up to this man was turning like venom towards him. Out of frustration alone it seemed she would attack. "You don't honestly expect me to believe that she could have loved you? An obvious murderer and masked phantom, her 'Angel of music'. Tell me, how long did it take her to realize she could much better serve her angelic guardian on her back?"
He stared coldly at her, unmoved by her words. Breathing heavily, he folded his arms against his chest, keeping his eyes ever poised on his daughters. "Are you finished now, or do you have something else you would like to add to that little out burst of yours?" Erik caustically replied. Lowering his arms, he began to circle around her slowly before he continued on. "Perhaps another one of your colourful, oh so lady like, innuendos? No? Well then let me tell you something," He grasped her once again by the shoulders and brought his face close to hers, causing her to shiver involuntarily. "Things are not simply black and white, I did not coerce your mother nor was she anything less then of the highest virtue. And if you ever speak about her in such a way again, I'll be forced to muzzle that sharp little tongue of yours for you and trust me, you will not enjoy my methods."
A noise from out in the hallway caught both there attentions before Danielle had a chance to respond. In a quick movement, Erik pinched the candle and with Danielle dragged along, moved them both through the pivoting mirror. She tried to cry out at the sudden flood of darkness they were plunged into but Erik held his hand fast over her mouth. "Quiet." He hissed.
She watched in wide-eyed wonder as the door to the dressing room open and two men stepped in, talking loudly. Now with the light of the hall peering though, she could see that they were no longer in her mother's old room, but behind that great full sized mirror. The men seemed to simply grab a box and close the door loudly behind them. Erik took his hand away her mouth and muttered something about that being twice in one day.
The mirror pivoted once more, and again they were back in the old dressing room. Erik took no time in lighting the candle as well as picking up Christine old diary. He would not read it; he knew that Christine would not have wanted him to, so instead he handed it easily enough to Danielle, catching her off guard by the action.
"I suggest you finish that before you go off making any more of your clever accusations." He said sharply before he went about the room, putting various things back in order.
Danielle sat down on the bed with the book in hand and watched the man curiously as he seemed to know the exact spot where every item of her mothers was meant to rest. "So that mirror, that was how you came to her?" she asked clumsily, her previous eruption of anger seemed to have dissolved to a lull.
"It was." He answered while fussing about with the drawer she had earlier removed.
"She talked about her opera days often, well not when Papa was around, but when he wasn't she shared with me some of the most amusing stories." For some reason she was completely at ease now. It was pointless to continue fighting; it wasn't like she had anything left to gain or lose, so why not talk to him as though he were just another person? She simply didn't care anymore. "Did you know that once the Prima Donna began to croak on stage? I used to love it when she'd tell me that one."
She could here the man lightly chuckle under his breath. "Yes, I dare say I know about that one." Again he laughed, this time more fully as he finally fitted the drawer back in place. "That poor frog, stuck in La Carlotta's golden throat."
She grinned slightly at the memory of her mother's impression of the famous event while she was still a child. She always had the best stories to tell.
Erik turned to face her seriously, looking as though he was in deep contemplation. "You weren't exaggerating when you said you had no place to go were you?" he asked with concern.
"No." She replied, not meeting his eyes, instead she simply flipping through the pages of the book, using it as a distraction.
"Haven't you any friends? And what have the rest of your family had to say about this?"
Danielle merely shrugged. "My friends were few and they have their own problems, I could not place myself at their mercy. I was never particularly on good terms with my aunts, I doubt they even care."
Erik frowned under his masked as he watched the girl shift awkwardly. "If you don't mind me saying so, I would think that a girl your age and in your social position would have been married by now."
"Let's just say my social position was compromised. Recent events should tell you why." she answered in obvious irritation. If he was going to continue this way, she was sure to lose her temper again.
He came towards her and motioned for her to stand away from the bed. He then began fixing and straightening its sheets. "Well I'm certainly not going to have you sleeping on the streets so you'll have to stay here, at least till I can arrange for a proper flat for you."
Startled by his words, she took a frantic look around the small crowded room. "What? Here, in this room?"
"Of course not. Really, how much of that book have you read? You can stay in your mother's old room in my home." Finished with the bed he faced her.
"And why should I trust you?" She asked, unsure of herself. Everything was moving so fast! The only thing she really knew about this man was that he had intended to kill her and now he was inviting her to his home?
Erik's voice broke her thoughts. "If I intended to harm you, I would've have done so by now. If you prefer to take your chances on the streets, you're more then welcome to do so."
She really had no choice in this. This man, if he were truly willing to help her could be her only chance at getting some sort of life back. Taking a deep breath, she gave her reply. "Very well, I accept."
~*~
R&R Please @----
Thanks so much to my reviewers so far. Olethros, as always your input is greatly appreciated. And I do agree with you that Erik would be too efficient a killer and simply knocked her out... But then she'd be dead and I'd have no story : P oh and I definitely caught the mask bit, much to my embarrassment. Anyways, enough incredibly long authors notes...
~*~
Danielle felt the man behind her stiffen after she spoke her words. They stood there, silently together for what seemed like an eternity to the poor girl. If only he would do something, anything, she thought nervously, but instead she was forced to endure this foreboding silence. Her heart raced to a new speed as she doubted her chances at survival. What if he didn't believe her? Perhaps he didn't know who she was, or didn't care even? What could she hope to expect from this man who was ready to kill her with out reason?
As she stood, her trembling became more and more apparent as her legs weakened beneath her. Still he did not move. The only thing she could really feel was the heavy rise and fall of his chest against her back, an almost soothing sensation in contrast to the panic running rampant amongst her senses. The knife was also no longer firmly pressed to her throat. At this realization a wave of relief overcame her in a tide which nearly made her swoon in his arms if he had not already let go of her.
She watched cautiously as he slowly circled to face her, his eyes locked to her own with a terrifying intensity. He closed in, gently placing his hand beneath her chin and drawing his face near as he made his careful inspection. Danielle knew she should run, that this could be her only opportunity to escape, but those burning eyes held her fast, leaving her body in paralysis. Staring into that black mask with those golden eyes was like staring into the face of a fantastic demon -- merely drawing out the suffering of its victim before consuming her completely.
The demon's eyes softened as once again a few tears escaped down the trembling girls cheeks. She knew how she must appear to him; even in such a situation she couldn't help but think of her hurt pride, that she had allowed him to see her fear. Her eyes were red and swollen while her face was blotched with pigments of red against her colourless flesh. She must have looked utterly pathetic to him, the perfect victim. At last he let his hand drop and backed away slightly.
"Christine..." he whispered softly, in a way which sounded almost as though he were about to weep.
Danielle stood nervously as the man found some sort of recognition in her face. She knew it was difficult to see but it was there none the less, it was in her eyes, the shape of her jaw line, her mouth and smile. "She was my mother." The girl replied mechanically after a moment past with him still looking at her.
Danielle watched the man turn away from her, and with ungraceful steps moved towards the dresser, placing the knife down where she had retrieved it. Allowing his hands to settle on its dusty surface, he rested his weight upon the old worn wood.
She heard his deep intake of breath as he did so, and was he trembling? She did not know. As she simply remained in her place, unable to make a single step, Danielle stared at the mass of black now turned away from her. She was at a complete loss as to what to do. Could this man, this thing, really be her father? The unwelcome idea raced through her mind as she stood dumbly.
"Then you know who I am?" Danielle at last spoke, unable to hide the nervousness in her voice.
"I do." He replied without movement.
"And then you know what I am to you?"
There was a loud exhale of breath before the man replied. "Only since I read the paper mentioning your dismissal."
Silence. Still he did not move, but it was of no matter, if he had Danielle would not have noticed. Wave after wave of emotions were busy flooding her senses as she heard that final confirmation. How could it be true? How could they do this to her? All those years her life was a lie! Was it simply so that her mother could save face? Did they do it for her vanity, and in the end, Nicolas's accusations about her were indeed correct? Danielle's life ruined for the sake of her mothers reputation!
Anger and betrayal coursed through her very veins as a scorching fury gained rapid control of her conscious. She had come here with the hope of finding answers to her many questions but instead what she found was a lifetime of lies and deception. Bitter resentment clouded her senses as a fog of impudence descended on her nerves. She looked over at the hunched man who was unaware of the transformation taking place behind him. She could not accept this, this truth, it was simply intolerable. What was his part in this little infidelity? She would have her answers. Danielle's eyes turned to thin slits as she glared without fear at his imposing figure.
"Tell me," she began in mock sarcasm, "did you use a knife when you did it or did you simply cover her mouth... or perhaps you preferred to let her scream?"
He whirled round to face the defiant girl, shocked by her words. It took him a moment before he even comprehended what it was exactly that she was implying.
"Or maybe this was just the way you had her pay for her music lessons? The willing whore perhaps?" Danielle's voice was scathing with hatred as every instance, every unforgettable moment of mockery and humiliation brought about by her 'questionable parentage' flashed through her mind, stirring the demon in her.
"How dare you speak of her like that!" Erik hissed, taking a deliberate step towards her. He made full use of his height as he stared threateningly at the girl.
"How dare she raise me as she did! Come now, were you the only one or are there others to whom I may belong? It appears she enjoyed the wealthy, possibly there were other patrons she served as well?" She refused to back down, knowing that she could very well be provoking his anger, she did not care. Let him kill her, she thought sardonically, it would be a fitting end now that she had nothing at all.
Erik grabbed her roughly by the top of her arm and held her firmly in place, bringing his head near. "One would think that after what you just went through, you would learn to hold your tongue my dear."
His voice chilled her very flesh with its menace but still she did not falter. With a wry smile she looked him over confidently. "One would think that after what I just went through, I would have no doubt that you would force her."
At this he let go of her arm abruptly with a quick shove. The force caused her to step back a few paces, stopping only once her back lightly touched the cool surface of the mirror. He turned away from her angrily only to round back and nearly shout, "You are speaking of things you clearly know nothing about!"
"Of course I am! All I know is that a few days ago I had a family, life, and future. And now my father, my real father that is, is dead and I have nothing! Only the knowledge that my entire existence was a complete lie and that now my biggest concern seems to be that of which bridge I'll have to sleep under tonight. So forgive me for my impertinence, but from what knowledge I do have, all I can gather is that either you coerced my mother or she was a tramp. You tell me." The last line came out as a sob; she couldn't believe she was crying again. Using her hands to quickly wipe away her tears, Danielle could see she was visible shaking once more. Damn her for being so weak, she thought bitterly.
The anger that she had for her own inability to stand up to this man was turning like venom towards him. Out of frustration alone it seemed she would attack. "You don't honestly expect me to believe that she could have loved you? An obvious murderer and masked phantom, her 'Angel of music'. Tell me, how long did it take her to realize she could much better serve her angelic guardian on her back?"
He stared coldly at her, unmoved by her words. Breathing heavily, he folded his arms against his chest, keeping his eyes ever poised on his daughters. "Are you finished now, or do you have something else you would like to add to that little out burst of yours?" Erik caustically replied. Lowering his arms, he began to circle around her slowly before he continued on. "Perhaps another one of your colourful, oh so lady like, innuendos? No? Well then let me tell you something," He grasped her once again by the shoulders and brought his face close to hers, causing her to shiver involuntarily. "Things are not simply black and white, I did not coerce your mother nor was she anything less then of the highest virtue. And if you ever speak about her in such a way again, I'll be forced to muzzle that sharp little tongue of yours for you and trust me, you will not enjoy my methods."
A noise from out in the hallway caught both there attentions before Danielle had a chance to respond. In a quick movement, Erik pinched the candle and with Danielle dragged along, moved them both through the pivoting mirror. She tried to cry out at the sudden flood of darkness they were plunged into but Erik held his hand fast over her mouth. "Quiet." He hissed.
She watched in wide-eyed wonder as the door to the dressing room open and two men stepped in, talking loudly. Now with the light of the hall peering though, she could see that they were no longer in her mother's old room, but behind that great full sized mirror. The men seemed to simply grab a box and close the door loudly behind them. Erik took his hand away her mouth and muttered something about that being twice in one day.
The mirror pivoted once more, and again they were back in the old dressing room. Erik took no time in lighting the candle as well as picking up Christine old diary. He would not read it; he knew that Christine would not have wanted him to, so instead he handed it easily enough to Danielle, catching her off guard by the action.
"I suggest you finish that before you go off making any more of your clever accusations." He said sharply before he went about the room, putting various things back in order.
Danielle sat down on the bed with the book in hand and watched the man curiously as he seemed to know the exact spot where every item of her mothers was meant to rest. "So that mirror, that was how you came to her?" she asked clumsily, her previous eruption of anger seemed to have dissolved to a lull.
"It was." He answered while fussing about with the drawer she had earlier removed.
"She talked about her opera days often, well not when Papa was around, but when he wasn't she shared with me some of the most amusing stories." For some reason she was completely at ease now. It was pointless to continue fighting; it wasn't like she had anything left to gain or lose, so why not talk to him as though he were just another person? She simply didn't care anymore. "Did you know that once the Prima Donna began to croak on stage? I used to love it when she'd tell me that one."
She could here the man lightly chuckle under his breath. "Yes, I dare say I know about that one." Again he laughed, this time more fully as he finally fitted the drawer back in place. "That poor frog, stuck in La Carlotta's golden throat."
She grinned slightly at the memory of her mother's impression of the famous event while she was still a child. She always had the best stories to tell.
Erik turned to face her seriously, looking as though he was in deep contemplation. "You weren't exaggerating when you said you had no place to go were you?" he asked with concern.
"No." She replied, not meeting his eyes, instead she simply flipping through the pages of the book, using it as a distraction.
"Haven't you any friends? And what have the rest of your family had to say about this?"
Danielle merely shrugged. "My friends were few and they have their own problems, I could not place myself at their mercy. I was never particularly on good terms with my aunts, I doubt they even care."
Erik frowned under his masked as he watched the girl shift awkwardly. "If you don't mind me saying so, I would think that a girl your age and in your social position would have been married by now."
"Let's just say my social position was compromised. Recent events should tell you why." she answered in obvious irritation. If he was going to continue this way, she was sure to lose her temper again.
He came towards her and motioned for her to stand away from the bed. He then began fixing and straightening its sheets. "Well I'm certainly not going to have you sleeping on the streets so you'll have to stay here, at least till I can arrange for a proper flat for you."
Startled by his words, she took a frantic look around the small crowded room. "What? Here, in this room?"
"Of course not. Really, how much of that book have you read? You can stay in your mother's old room in my home." Finished with the bed he faced her.
"And why should I trust you?" She asked, unsure of herself. Everything was moving so fast! The only thing she really knew about this man was that he had intended to kill her and now he was inviting her to his home?
Erik's voice broke her thoughts. "If I intended to harm you, I would've have done so by now. If you prefer to take your chances on the streets, you're more then welcome to do so."
She really had no choice in this. This man, if he were truly willing to help her could be her only chance at getting some sort of life back. Taking a deep breath, she gave her reply. "Very well, I accept."
~*~
R&R Please @----