Chapter 19-Flame From Above

Rene looked at him, not with disgust or horror, but with pity, and most of all with love.

Erik felt her hand on his shoulder. She turned him, slowly, and gently toward her, watching him. He evaded her eyes. She let go of him and sang, the words coming, without effort. "This haunted face, is no reason for my leave. There is no wrong when the music starts to flow."

He still avoided her eyes, so she continued to sing to him, "Say you'll love me every waking moment, let me lead you from your solitude. Say you need me with you here beside you. Promise that you will love me, too." she whispered, "Erik," Then sang loudly, "That's all I ask of you."

Erik turned his eyes to her. She searched them and reached a horrifying conclusion. "Yet in those eyes, you still grieve for her I see. Who was this girl, the one who leads you 'way from me?"

She let him hang his head again. The questions ever burning she asked him through song. "Angel of music, do you love me? Look at me angel, my phantom. Angel you know that I would have you here beside me, forever."

The tears ran down Erik's cheeks. He had to ask "Angel, how can you find the man, the man who resides in the beast?"

Rene shook her head. "If only you saw what I see here, you would find your peace. Angel of music, hear me, listen I do not see what they see, but I hear what you sing, I know I love you. I hope and I dream you'll love me" Erik looked down, and then raised his head, slowly singing with power. "I am no angel, but phantom. He is gone, the Angel of Music."

"Angel of music guide and guardian grant to me your glory. Angel of music, hide no longer. Come to the light, angel."

Erik pulled her close. "Rene you're an angel of music, sent here my flame from above."

Rene stood on her toes, and gang straight to him, one hand finding it's way to the scared side of his face. "Tonight we shall sing with one heartbeat, and I pray for love." She kissed him hard, and pulled his hands around her waist. Throwing her arms around his neck, she giggled lightly. He lifted her up to him, and swung her around.


Christian sat up groggily, unnoticed by the others. He opened his eyes, groaning, softly. Then he noticed the two. He stared wide eyed at Rene, who was passionately kissing Erik, full, on the mouth, his mask shatter a few feet from them. The anger welling up inside him. He stood, slowly. Taking his aim, he lunged, yelling at Erik, with a crazed look.

Rene pulled herself away from Erik when she heard Christian's cries. There was no time. Christian was going to kill Erik. Rene screamed. She threw herself at Christian, who not wanting to hurt Rene, sifted his blade, and it turned in his hand. Rene fell on top of him, driving the blade deep into his stomach.

He stood staring down at her for a moment. Then, coughing, he fell onto his side, and his breathing shallowed and then stopped.

Rene stared at Christian's body for a moment. "Oh god…" she breathed, almost silent. "Oh god, Erik…" She yelled, turning to him. "What have I done!" She raged and dropped onto the floor, slamming her hands down on the rocks. They where gammed by the rocks, and began to bleed.

Erik sat down next to her, and lifted her chin to where her eyes were looking straight into his. "Rene." He said. "You must run."

Rene shook her head, and grabbed him, holding him close. "I will not leave you, my Angel."

Erik held her, stroking her hair. "Rene, I can take care of…" But she didn't let him finish. She pulled back and stared into his face.

"Erik, no." She exclaimed. "I would rather be hanged tomorrow, than have never heard your voice."

"Alright." Erik answered. He pulled her to him, kissing her hair. "I won't ever let you go."