Authors Note: Oh god, this chapter is well, not very good on my standards, but it is a very needed chapter. I tried to write this chapter every which way, and this was the best way to do so. Again another fault, the amount of updates. I will attempt to make the time between chapters smaller I'll really try. The commenter who wanted to know about Piangi, the answer is yes. He will make a small cameo at the very end.

My reviewers, well, they just all rock XD;

Disclaimer: I do not equal Sir Webber or Monsieur Leroux therefore I own nothing. I do own, in fact, own and currently reside in a cardboard box with a slushy machine and an Internet connection.


But through my tears breaks a blinding light
Birthing a dawn to this endless night
Arms outstretched, awaiting me
An open embrace upon a bleeding tree

'Lies' Evanescence


She saw a light, a dim warm firelight that seemed to glow on her eyelids. For just a moment, she felt peace. As if nothing had happened, but then an intense throbbing from her head and a pressure on both of her wrists caused Carlotta to return back into reality. Her head flooded with memories, rambles of after thoughts. Slowly creeping her eyelids open, the room seemed to be in double. All the objects bathed in a warm firelight seemed to sway slightly, making her head throb even more.

Then Carlotta remembered.

Glancing to either of her wrists, she saw they were tied down to a soft feather bead on either side with a thick raspy rope. Not caring if she could see straight, Carlotta flailed her arms up ward, feeling the sting of the rope on her skin. Closing her eyes tightly, she didn't even try to move; in her heart of hearts, Carlotta knew her attempts were useless. Falling into a sleepless dream, she waited. What she waited for was the question.

Then, that voice came again.

'Our lady wakes,' it slithered with such elegance, it envied its imitator. Carlotta attempted to open her eyes again, still to see everything in a haze. Cringing, she didn't even glance to the man that spoke to her; the world was all a blur now.

Footsteps rung in her ears as the warm touch of that voice sent shivers down her back.

'Drink this,' the cold rim of a wine glass touched her lip as she meagerly opened them, the bitter liquid rushing into her mouth. Resentfully, she swallowed the drink and sat in a blissful comfort for only a moment, before that voice spoke again.

'Open your eyes,' obeying, she did so. Her vision was slightly clearer, but the silhouette of a tall, brown haired man came to mind.

'Adrian?' she wearily said, her voice raspy with fear and confusion. He sat on the bed, which Carlotta was tied on, coming into clearer view.

'Señorita Guidicelli,' he nodded his head, staring at her with those odd eyes, 'You are being kept under protection of my family. Do not ask questions, and do not try to release your self from your bonds, they will come off in time.' Adrian seemed so serious compared to the earlier encounter they had. Yet, he went from innocent to increasing passionate in the time of a glass of wine.

'Wh-what? What do you mean do not ask questions? Adrian, you take me captive, and you ask me not to ask questions!' His cold hands hushed her voice as she began to sob. Carlotta's eyes shot open, thrashing her arms up to rip his hand away. Muffled screams of protest mellowed out when Adrian took his loose hand and wrapped it around her neck.

'I highly suggest you keep silent, Carlotta,' he glanced to her wrists which were now a deep scarlet. Releasing her from his grasp, Adrian tossed a black bundle at her, slowly releasing her wrists from the rope. She did nothing but glare at him.

'Get dressed,' he pointed to the screened off area in the corner of the large bedroom.

'And you are not to leave? It is highly improper to see-'

'And trust you alone? Your gown will be tended to.' She did not move, protesting this decision. Adrian grunted, his breath snarling with agitation. 'Ms. Guidicelli, I am highly aware of Victorian lady. You will be killed if you leave my sight. You will be kidnapped if you do get changed. Do not take assumptions of what the situation is. Follow my instructions miss, or I will make you follow them, proper lady or common whore. You choose.' His voice chased around the room, leaving Carlotta feeling as small as a child. She uncharacteristically gathered the skirts, and timidly walking to the screen. Adrian turned his head away, brushing the hair from his face.

'This is the penance you must pay for your father,' He thought irately, glancing to the door that lead to his lavish mansion on the outskirts of Barcelona. Adrian wanted to take Carlotta away from her family, to England, to France, somewhere where she could get away from the corruption that befell her family.

Carlotta glanced over her screen, seeing Adrian deep in thought. How easily she could escape, but how? She was not a cunning woman like her sister, or a warm woman like her mother. Charm, that is what possessed her. She clumsily unraveled the layers of lavish silk that took Luciana so long to place on her frame. The ruby that hung around her neck slipped off with the rest of her jewelry. All that Carlotta had now was the little gold cross that her mother gave her as a small child. The dress that Adrian gave her was rather plain, nothing she was used to. It was a simple white dress with a black corset that apparently lay on top. She looked like a gypsy, a horrid, foul gypsy, and it was done on purpose, she imagined. Stepping out from the screen, she saw Adrian deep in thought, gazing heavily at the door. Her mind swirled with questions, but nothing slipped from her lips. It was very evident to her now that Adrian was more then he seemed.

'Pardon me, um, Adrian, sir, I'm finished. You can turn around again,' Carlotta's voice was rather harmoniums, only a hint of the great power that loomed in it. Adrian glanced back, a cold look in his eyes. He stepped up to her, brushing his hand down her neck.

'No temptation, she's only business, but god, she looks glorious in that dress.'

'I'm going to travel with you away from here. You will never see your mother again, and we cannot locate the whereabouts of your sister. Carlotta, I…I wish I could tell you the truth, but only until we get you to France will you know the consequences of your so called father.'

'My what?' Carlotta spat bitterly, 'Where's my mother, my sister? Wh-What about Luciana or-or my home? You expect me to go with you for some unknown reason. You mention my family, my father, but what does all of this mean? Why was I tied up? Why must I dress like this? Why can't you tell me anything?' Carlotta began to sob again, this time, her whole face turned a deep red with anger, and hot tears flowed down her face. She was confused angry, and insulted that this man. This man she barely knew was telling her what lay in her destiny.

Adrian turned away, biting his lip tasting the salty crimson liquid touch his tongue.

'We must depart,' he said flatly. Opening the door, he held his hand out.

Something then in Carlotta snapped, she pushed pasted him and bolted down the hall. Trying to catch her breath as tears soaked her dress. Running down the halls, she sunk down at the edge of the large staircase, slipping down the crimson-carpet. Her frame slammed into the rails, but stopped midway down. Carlotta sat there, hurt, tired, and confused. She didn't faint, she didn't black out, she wept.

A voice soothed her again, just like it did only moments before. It was holding her, embracing her.

It was singing to her.


(A/N: Remember people, Adrian was a manager of the Opera House. Just a note, put your mind to work. Reviews are always welcome!)