Thank you to elvinscarf for the review. Terpentinemind: I really don't like music within stories either, but this was necessary in order for Morela to invoke the Phantom.
I am really enjoying writing this story and intend to continue on, but I would like more reviews! Constructive criticism is welcome, but if you are going to flame please be gentle! Hopefully, I will have the fourth chapter posted soon. Au revior!
My breath caught in my throat, and for one moment time seemed to stop. I stared at the face of the supposed "Phantom", trembling slightly. Viv whimpered softly, her eyes darting from his face to mine. I locked eyes with her.
"P-Please let her go." I hardly recognized the voice as my own. "She hasn't done anything wrong.'
"Who called me to them?" The "Phantom" yelled, his booming voice echoing violently off of the walls. "Who has invoked my presence here? One must know that stupid little girls should watch their tongues! One can never tell when or how their words will be received." His harsh tone was directed only at me. "Are you the one who called for me?" Stepping backward slightly, I nodded.
"Angel of music guide and guardian, enter in your glory.
Angel of music hide no longer, come to me strange angel!"
As my voice died away, I studied his expression. A scowl seemed to be permanently etched into his features, but his eyes sparkled with amusement.
"Viv, it's all right, come here." I held out my hand to her in an attempt to coax her away from her captor. Quickly, she untied the noose from her neck and walked toward me. I was not at all astonished that he had allowed her to go. "Go into the foyer and wait for me by the door. I'll only be a minute longer," I whispered to her as she walked past me. She paused momentarily, listening, and continued on toward the door.
"Why have you called me here?" His sudden question startled me from my thoughts.
"I've heard the stories," I answered honestly, "and I wanted to see if they were true."
"Has your curiosity been satisfied?" His eyebrows shot up and he began to circle me.
"Y-Yes." My voice was almost inaudible now. My breath came in shallow gasps, fear overwhelmed my being.
"I'm glad," he responded in mock sincerity; a slow smile coming over his features.
"Are you the true Phantom of the Opera?" I immediately regretted the question as it passed my lips. Realistically, I knew that he couldn't have been the Phantom who haunted the opera house so many years ago; but I could not ignore the fact that his appearance was entirely of the Phantom who had been described to me. He wore a black three-piece suit over a white shirt that was ruffled at the low neckline. A long, black cape flowed down his back and half of a white mask covered the supposed disfigured portion of his face. His midnight black hair seemed to only accentuate his vibrant aquamarine colored eyes.
The Phantom let out a short laugh.
"Apparently my words do not matter greatly to you. And why should they? You have already invaded my home and pulled me away from my work. It would seem that you own this opera house instead of I," he spat out these last words, menacingly.
"I meant nothing by it. I never expected to-"
"To find anyone hear?" His eyes narrowed. "That is what all who enter the Opera Populare assume. My dear, you cannot play with forces that you don't understand!"
"I will be careful in the future, monsieur." I kept a steady gaze transfixed on him. "I have to go. My friend is waiting for me." I turned quickly, intent on running down the aisle that stretched in front of me and straight for the door. Instead, a gloved hand stretched out and grasped my wrist, tightly. The Phantom jerked me around to face him.
"You will not be going anywhere. You called me and now you have me." His eyes sparkled with malice. "I must know what you desire. I have you now."
He leaned me into him, as if he wished to tell me a secret.
"You belong to me.'
I know that it wasn't a very long chapter, but I promise to update with more soon!
