Sorry for my little break. I was unable to write anything. It was a lack of computer. But now I am back and ready to entertain with another chapter! There's only going to be a few more… I'm not all that happy about ending it but I can't drag it on forever.

The week before the opening of Ill Muto, Claire spent her eighteenth birthday alone on the roof. No one had cared nor remembered the occasion. This thought saddened her but she didn't let it dampen her spirit. Claire sighed and walked to the edge of the roof and peered over the edge. How easy it would be to let herself fall vicariously from the side. She smiled at this thought. Spreading her arms, she imagined plunging off the roof onto the citizens below.

"Oh but it is only a dream!" she cried loudly, "Why am I such a fool? Any sane person would have known better!" She felt arms encircle her waist as she said this. Soft lips pressed against the side of her face.

"But my dear, you are quite sane," he whispered into the softness of cheek. Claire's eyes were closed tightly, her breathing heavy and erratic. This dialogue was familiar, as if from a distant dream. Claire tried to turn to him, into the warmth of his loving arms, but he stopped her.

"Don't turn around just yet," he commanded. Claire gasped as his hand ran across her crotch and down the inside of her leg.

"Why?" she moaned. His touch was almost too much to bear.

"Because if you see me my dear Claire, you will see me for whom I really am."

"And would I see a beast and not a man?" she asked and with great reluctance turned to face him. His hand slowly slipping from her sacred spot. She was once again face to face with her masked admirer.

"I love you Erik," she said as she removed his mask, "I really do." She gently pressed her lips against the deformed side of his face.

"And I love you as well," he replied, "Happy Birthday my dear." Claire's eyes went wide.

"How did you know?" At her innocent question he laughed.

"You were singing happy birthday to yourself earlier," he declared. Claire grinned and kissed him hard on the lips. He returned the kiss with intensity. This kiss brought Madame Giry's warning to her mind. She broke apart from him.

"Erik," she muttered, "I must tell you something." Erik nodded and kissed her forehead.

"Tell me anything."

"Madame Giry knew we were together. She said she'd kill you." Erik's face grew grave. He looked like death had just slapped him in the face.

"Why does she do this too us?" he cried and pulled apart from Claire. He angrily bashed his fists against one of the stone gargoyles.

"I think you know Erik." Erik stopped his ranting and looked at Claire. His eyes were filled with guilt. He sat down on ground wearily and ran a hand through his hair. Claire wanted to go to him but decided against it.

"How should I know?" Erik yelled, "Antoinette is insane!" Claire did not believe what she was hearing. Without even realizing it Erik had just confirmed her knew of why Giry was so upset over this.

"Tell me Erik." Erik sighed and reluctantly stated,

"She's a mad woman. Ever since she found out about my existence she has used me. Those twenty thousand francs a month do not all go to me. She keeps most and I get the bare minimum. Those demands I make are not mine, they are hers! She threatens to reveal my hidden lair if I do not write her the notes. She is mad that you are taking me away, her puppet!" Claire fell to her knees. This news was a heavy weight on her conscious. Claire felt Erik's arm around her and she leaned into him.

"Then it is over isn't it?" she sobbed into his dress coat, "She has won!" Erik ran a soothing hand through her hair.

"It is not over for you," he comforted, "I want you to go home Claire." Claire looked up at Erik, confusion masking her face.

"Go home? We're supposed to," she began but Erik cut her off.

"I know. Claire, there is no life for us out there in the world. I am a beast and you are an angel. You are precious! Too go with me into the world would mean you'd have to hide those gifts you possess. You'd be on the run from the face of humanity and all its cruelties. Even with my mask on I am no man that can be accepted into society with open arms. My place is in the Opera House. Your place is back home with your parents." Claire could not believe what she was hearing.

"You don't mean this!" she retorted, "We were going to run away together and get married!" Erik smiled and wiped a tear from Claire's face.

"I thought about it," He said, "You deserve more." Claire grabbed onto Erik tightly, refusing to let go.

"I can not leave you," she wailed, "I love you!" Erik nodded and kissed the top of her head. What a sight they must have been…beauty and the beast.

"You will know love again Claire," he comforted. Claire shook her head.

"But you will not." Erik chuckled.

"I will never love another again. I will always love you." Claire grimaced at this thought but kept her words to herself. She just wanted to be held by him.

"You will go home after opening night," he said, "It will be your final and most triumphant performance." Claire tried to match Erik's enthusiasm for her new life but she could not find it in her.

"Will you be there?" she asked.

"Yes I will be there…but you will not see me." Claire felt the tears pour down her cheeks. The rivers of sorrow Erik collected in his hand.

"Erik," Claire said softly, "Make love to me."

He nodded and gently lifted her from the ground. She had never been carried so lovingly before. She closed her eyes and listened to the steady beating of Erik's heart as they went down to his home.