I know what you're thinking... "Why did she put both chapters up at once?" Well, accualy I have the next few chapters written, and I just have to type them up. So, enjoy this one and the next two will be up in a little while!
Chapter 6- Down Into His Lair
Annie shuddered at Jayden's touch, but allowed him to lead her gently, yet firmly by the hand and through the makeshift mirror. She locked her eyes on him, watching his every move. Studying the outline of the left side of his face, as the other was curtained by his hair.
The dark, constant throbbing of the bass beat in Annie's chest, urging her to sing, to burst out. She opened her mouth and the melody erupted out of her, beyond her control.
"In sleep he sang to me, in dreams he came... that voice which calls to me and speaks my name…" Her voice was crisp and earthy. "And do I dream again? For now I find the Phantom of the Opera is there inside my mind…"
Annie was completely unprepared for the intense affection in Jayden's commanding voice. His tone rang loud and true.
"Sing once again with me our strange duet... My power over you grows stronger yet…" Annie took her cue and looked quickly behind her. Jayden continued persuasively. "And though you turn from me, to glance behind, the Phantom of the Opera is there inside your mind…"
They were to get in the 'boat' now, which was just two 6' x 3' pieces of plywood tied to the two stools propped between them. Jayden began to 'row' with the oar provided. Annie continued to Sing. "Those who have seen your face, draw back in fear. I am the mask you wear…"
"It's me they hear!" Jayden finished for her. They joined in together now:
"Your/my spirit and your/my voice in one combined: the Phantom of the Opera is there inside your/my mind…"
Annie turned in her stool to look at Jayden. His arms gracefully and forcefully fake rowing. He turned his eyes down to her. They burned into her, and begged that she would sing for him. He started up again.
"In all your fantasies, you always knew," he began spiritedly. "you always knew that man and mystery…"
"Were both in you." Annie completed, quietly. Her voice rang stronger when he joined in and they harmonized beautifully.
"And in this labyrinth where night is blind, the Phantom of the Opera is there/here inside your/my mind…"
Annie stared, amazed at him. "Sing my Angel of Music." He implored her.
Annie sang the last few bars with her eyes closed. An imprint of Jayden's face on the inside of her eyelids. When she finished the rest of the cast clapped, save for Michelle and a few of her lackeys.
Jayden got out of the boat and held his hand out for her. She took it without hesitation.
"Now," Interrupted Mr. Reyser, "Let him move, and just follow his lead. Let him do what he wants." He yelled. Annie knew that he would not need to repeat it.