A/N: Sorry it's been so long since I updated - you would not believe the work load I've had the past few weeks. I'm also sorry this chapter is not as long as I would like- but my family's here for Easter, so I need to "entertain" them. :) Thanks again to all my reviewers! I'm always open to new ideas or twists for the story - just so you know. ;) Again - only Mme. Ombre, Marie, and Lisette are my original characters.


"Adele! You can't be serious!" The two girls now sat huddled together outside one of the larger tents where drinks were being sold.

Adele pulled her cape closer around her. "I am serious, Marie. I'm going back to see the Devil's child." She seemed to drift off, "I mean, didn't you hear his singing?"

"I heard it, but what do you think you'll accomplish by going back?"

"I don't know, but I'll do something."

"Adele," Marie pleaded softly. "It's getting late and if we're not back in the dormitories…"

"I know!" Adele shouted, her green eyes flashing. "Do you honestly think I'm that dense?" Marie whimpered quietly, but not from her fear. "What's wrong with you?" Adele asked, her tone slightly softening.

"It's just that… well… you've never spoken so harshly to me before," she said, her voice wavering.

Adele lowered her eyes and took a deep breath, "I… I'm sorry, Marie. Truly, I didn't mean to… to snap at you. It's just… how can I sit idly by? You were there, Marie. You saw him, didn't you? Did you not see his pain, his suffering? It's inhumane the way they treat him."

"Just because it's inhumane, doesn't mean that it will be stopped. Please, Adele, be reasonable."

"I am. Marie, you will go back to the Opera House and wait for me there. Tell Madame Ombré not to worry. I'll come in through the back."

"Adele, let me go with you!"

"No, Marie, it's too risky with just one! Now, I have an idea, but I must go now!"

"Adele!"

"Marie, please, you must trust me. Now go."

The girls stood and after embracing each other, Marie ran back down the lit paths towards the entrance to the camp. Adele watched her go, then turned in the opposite direction and walked back through the darkness. Now that she was without Marie, the fair grounds seemed darker and more ominous. She crept through the camp, her eyes fixed on her target – the tent that displayed a wood board with the words "L'enfant du Diable."


Hope you all enjoyed that - despite it's length. Please remember to comment and let me know how I'm doing.