Chapter 3

Vicomte Raoul De Chagny sat behind his desk, rubbing his tired eyes. Monsieur Firmin and Monsieur Andre had just left after debating for what seemed to him the millionth time about reconstructing the Opera Populaire. They had finally come to the agreement that it should be rebuilt, and that construction would begin within the next week.

He smiled softly, knowing that his wife would be pleased with this news. The Vicomtess had been very persistent to see that the Opera House was repaired. Raoul stood up, knowing now he could make her truly happy. Something she has not been in a year.

There was a small knock on the door, and he felt his heart sink. It could be Firmin and Andre with completely changed minds. He would not allow that to happen this time. Raoul wanted nothing but his wife's happiness, and they were not going to take it away after saying yes. He walked over to the large window and stared out into the dark night.

Making sure his back was facing the door; he called "Come in."

"Raoul?"

At once Raoul spirits lifted. He turned to face his wife with a broad smile on his face. She stood framed in the doorway, small and exquisite. Her dark, curled hair was freely hanging over her shoulders, which were covered in a simple white dressing gown. She was just as beautiful now as she was on the day he married her.

"Yes, my love?"

"Firmin and Andre just left. They seemed rather disturbed about something."

"Did they?"

"Yes. Did everything go well with this meeting?"

"More than you can imagine, Christine," Raoul said. He walked towards her, and took her hands in his. He gently pulled her into the room, shutting the door behind them. Christine looked at him with some confusion, but she did not say a word against his actions.

"I have good news, Christine," Raoul whispered softly in her ear.

"What is it?" Christine was smiling. Raoul took her in his arms and placed a soft kiss on her forehead.

"The Opera House is going to be restored," he said.

"Oh Raoul! Is it true?" Christine looked exactly like Raoul pictured she would after he told her. Her pretty, young face was glowing with delight. Raoul grinned and nodded gently. She let out a happy little squeak and wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing his lips passionately.

Raoul's smile widened as he deepened the kiss. He wrapped his long arms around her, pulling her body as close as it could be. His need for her was apparent, and her low moans showed that she was willing to comply.

The couple did not notice that they were being watched. Erik stood on one of the larger branches, gazing at the two. His expression was impassive, though he felt several different emotions. Having seen enough, he quickly climbed down the tree, and got on his horse.

Erik was unsure why he continued to watch Christine. He had loved her, no doubt of that. He may still even love her, though now he was unsure. He smiled grimly as he journeyed back to the main area of Paris, remembering the first few months of the de Chagny marriage.

Raoul had taught Christine how to defend herself, Erik knew with no hesitation, from her angel of music. They wore a happy façade in public, though at night they often argued. It had caused Erik little distress to see Christine unhappy in marriage. It had, at first; he had hoped that she would think back upon the choice she made. However, the fighting stopped, and the married couple seemed to be happy.

He was at the stable. Erik returned the horse, briefly asking how long he had been gone. The stable manager did not look directly at Erik as he answered. "About two hours, Monsieur."

Erik's eyes opened in shock. Danielle was in his home, alone.

"I will be back within an hour or two."

Erik nodded his head towards the manager, and grabbed his things. He rushed off into the dark streets, moving swiftly back to his home. Danielle must think I've abandoned her, he thought grimly. He needed to rectify any of those thoughts, hoping she had not have panicked and left the safety of the lair.

He pulled open an iron grate and slid into the dark passageway. He slowed down his pace, and briskly moved towards his home. As he came closer, he could hear a sweet, innocent melody being played on his organ. He smiled softly. Danielle was there, she had not left.

Relief spread through Erik's body. He couldn't hide it, and he wasn't sure he wanted to. All he wanted was be by Danielle side, to teach her, and guide her. He stopped just short of his home. He recognized these feelings from before, and he remembered the anguish it had brought to him.

I need to be careful, he reflected. He shook his head, adjusted his mask and entered the home.