A/N: I hadn't planned on repeating the chorus, but in order to make everything fit better, it has been done. At any rate, I satisfied myself in making this installment and the next different enough from the first time the chorus was used.
XV. never sigh for better world; its already composed, played, and told
Grandly he enters the masquerade, grimly pleased by what he sees. Masks, masks, blessed false faces at every turn. He is in control, perfectly at ease; he cannot see fear in their faces, but he can see it in their eyes.
He delivers his finished opera to the bewildered fools who manage his theatre, certain that they will not defy him. And Christine, she will play the leading lady, while he will place himself in the title role. Then he will draw her mind from this pretty young suitor – permanently.
