Chapter Three
So alone I, the Persian, descended into the depths of the opera. My search for Erik was destined to be a difficult one. There are thousands of rooms in the opera house, many of them in Erik's stronghold, the underground. I searched every haunt that came to mind, from the stables to the shores of the lake. Just as I began to think it was hopeless, a thought struck me. With hurried steps I ran threw the passageways to the former dressing room of Christine Diae. He was there, sitting with his back against the wall, his face turned away from me. For a moment he seemed to acknowledge my presence, his form vibrated with his hidden tension.
I walked in front of him, trying to lock eyes, but when his eyes met mine, I was the one who had to cower at the gaze. "What do you want now daroga, I'm not in the mood." I sighed and sat down beside him, our eyes met and another sigh escaped me. "Come now Erik, let us be civilized and speak without our weapons." I placed my revolver onto the ground, he chuckled at the sight of it. "Did you think that gun would do anything to protect you?" I shrugged my shoulders and smiled. He seemed surprised when I also removed the dagger I kept concealed in my boot.
"Very well, without weapons." Erik reached into his cloak and I felt my insides turn to ice as he removed the Punjab lasso. However, I was not surprised that he failed to remove the switchblade from his belt. I cleared my throat nervously; I was about to walk right onto very thin ice. "Erik, the stagehand named Joseph..." I was interrupted by a sharp laugh. I gave Erik a disturbed look but this only seemed to spur him on. Finally, when he had calmed down I attempted to speak again. "Erik, about Joseph..." he stopped me with a look. His brow furrowed in thought, then he smiled. "As I recall, I have quite a thing with killing Joseph's, wasn't the last one a stagehand too? I can't remember..."
I shot him a distraught look and he laughed deep in the back of his craw. Then his eyes took on a somber light. "I think I did the opera house a favor by disposing of that drunk." He looked towards me when he heard me sigh, "Erik the Phantom of the Opera was dead! Why on earth do you want to start this madness all over again?!" I searched his eyes for an answer. Then a terrible thought crossed threw my mind." Does this have anything to do with the new Diva? Does this concern mademoiselle Grey?" His eyes were like hellfire as he rose to his feet, even without his lasso, he was still more than my match in strength. "Erik please, talk to me! We are friends! What does this have to do with her?" His anger faded slightly, a shallow sigh reached my ears and I found myself gently place a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Why must you always meddle in my affairs?" I shook my head in sorrow.
"Erik, when human lives are at stake it is no longer a private matter! You are human as well, don't forget that. His eyes met mine, an eerie sight in this darkness, they seemed to sharpen as he smiled. "Human... you say that as if it matters for something daroga." In sudden anger he struck the stones with his fists, an anguished cry escaping his imposing form. "When has the fact that I am part of our sad excuse for a species ever mattered for anything!" He turned away from me, everything about his form showing his rage. I moved away as he wheeled around to face me. "Perhaps you're right, that I am wrong to kill. Is this still true when they actually deserve it?! But so help me daroga! I don't care! You know I don't!"
In the quiet midnight hours at the opera house a lone figure could have been spotted on the chandelier, his golden eyes appearing almost spectral in the dark theater. Though there was no one to see his lonely round about the large room, his stealth did not diminish. However, if you had been there to see him, your eyes would have filled with tears. The sorrow he carried with him weighed him down as if it held solid form. This is the Phantom of the Opera, the man, without a chance to really live. What had he done to deserve this life of almost unbroken solitude? He was born. In the dim light, a tear slides down his face, and he is gone.
I run into my dressing room in a state of giddy excitement! Tonight is the performance I have been preparing for since I was hired here! My heart is beating so quickly that I fear if I don't keep moving it will run on without me! As I begin my breathing exercises, a strangely shaped package on my bed catches my eye. Picking it up I immediately recognize my brothers handwriting. The note tied on top tells me to sing well and that this may help. I open the package and laugh as a small kitten looks into my face and mews. "Well you are a very cute kitten! I think I'll call you... Phantom. You're definitely white enough to be a ghost!" Phantom rubbed up against my hand and purred, her sapphire eyes closed contently.
A knock on my door almost caused me to drop the precious animal. "Come in!" Madam Girdy entered and smiled at me. She had become almost a mother to me since I had arrived, but there always seemed to be something bothering her. She raised an eyebrow at the kitten, "Well, what do we have here?" I smiled at her surprise, "She's a gift from my brother Peter! Isn't she adorable?" Phantom looked at Giry and mewed, the ballet mistress smiled behind her hand. "Alright, she's a cute kitten. What have you named her?" I looked down at Phantom and stroked behind her ear. "Well, she's as white as a ghost, so I named her Phantom!" Girdy drew back with a small gasp, her hand going to her mouth. "That's...well... are you sure that is a smart idea? Perhaps you should reconsider..." She noted my surprise and sighed.
"Madam Girdy, you know I don't believe in the Phantom of the Opera! That's just a silly story to scare people!" Girdy shook her head and sighed, "Whatever you hear Diana, there is one thing we can all be sure of, and that thing is this. The Phantom of the Opera is as real as you or I. I must go prepare the dancers." She turned to leave, then stopped and handed me a small envelope. "Here, this is for you... good luck tonight!" Without another look she left my room in a rustle of skirts. With curiosity I opened the letter, it was written in red ink...
To my dear Diva, Mademoiselle Diana Grey,
First of all, I would like to wish you the best of luck in the performance tonight. I have complete faith in your ability to play the role of Cleopatra. Second, I would like to draw your mind back to your audition for the opera several months ago. I was privileged enough to be there and would have liked to have wrote you sooner, but I fear business called me away. You have exquisite taste in music, and you are a natural performer. However, I fear that you have not had a proper voice teacher; you are hiding your true talent! I can help you with this.
Therefore, after the Opera tonight I would like to meet with you. Please come to the box number five on the grand tier, I will be waiting inside. Hopefully, we can work out a time that is good for you.
With best regards,
O.G.
Confused, I put the letter on my table. A mysterious man or woman, who only puts down O.G. as a name, wants to meet with me? Should I go? Part of me trilled with excitement and curiosity at the idea. However, another part of me warned me that this possibly a very dangerous situation... should I risk it? Another knock on my door caused me to almost jump out of my skin, why does no one around here give their name before they knock?! "Who is it?"
"Diana! It's me Kirsty! Can I come in?" Relieved, I opened the door, and was almost drowned in a downpour of costume! Kirsty giggled and peaked under the mound of cloth. "Performance starts soon, so I thought I would help you out by bringing you your costume. However I never imagined I'd have to show you how to wear it!" She continued to laugh at me as I grabbed her by the ankle and pulled her down. Both of us looked at each other and covered our mouths to keep from snorting with laughter. It turned out that I did need her help to put the stupid thing on, neither of us knew the top from the bottom!
Andrea looked over at Firmin and sighed as his partner lit up a cigar. "You are aware how expensive those things are, aren't you?" Firmin shot Andrea a stunned look, "You know, people tell me I worry too much. I really must introduce them to you some day!" Andrea chuckled lightly and wiped his forehead with a cloth, his partner eagerly scanned the Audience. "This performance is a sellout Andrea! Try to lighten up! For heavens sake live a little!" Both men became silent as the orchestra began the introduction.
The excitement in the air was contagious, behind the curtains the actors and ballet dancers were almost running in place. The air was tainted with the smell of perfume and before performance sweat. Several stagehands move about in the rafters, Peter pauses to wave at Kirsty and his sister. Then he joins the others and prepares to raise the curtains. Those working with props perform the quick last second inspection, the lights dim on the other side of the curtain. And the performance begins!
In the streets outside of the opera house the viscount- de-changny waits with little patience for the Persian to arrive. Both men had agreed to meet here and watch the opera together. Roul was unsure why, but his old acquaintance seemed worried about one of the singers in the production. To his dismay a light shower of rain began to fall. Quickly he dashed into the structures overhanging entrance. The light shower quickly turned into a harsh storm, in the distance a bolt of lightning shot across the sky. Daroga ran up the steps and the two spoke for a moment before disappearing into the building.
Curiosity rising, Roul turned to Daroga and raised an eyebrow. "Well, who is it that you believe is in so much danger?" The Persian gave Roul an annoyed Look. Silently they slipped into their reserved box. On the stage Cleopatra and Mark Anthony sang of their undying love, their song soared around the theater. "She is the one, her name is Diana Grey. I fear that like Christine, her voice has caught Erik's attention." Roul shook his head in disbelief. "You would think he would know better!" The Persian only sighed and nodded, his heart going out to the young woman on the stage.
Unseen by all present, a shadowy figure sat in box five and watched the performance. His eyes gleaming golden in the darkness. The very manner in which Diana moved about the stage was enrapturing. Her grace as she fell into Anthony's arms was charming, even the very way she breathed could enthrall. Sighing, the Phantom sank back into his chair and smiled, she was good, very good. With just a little help she could have the world at her feet... The first act ended and the audience applauded enthusiastically. Rising from his seat the operas specter made his way backstage to watch them prepare for the next act.
Behind the scenes, the performers reapplied makeup and changed or straitened out their costumes. Madam Girdy sensed that the ghost was at hand, her eyes roamed over the crowded stage. "Please O.G. do not ruin this performance! We all worked so hard on this one, and it's our first night..."A cold hand descended onto her shoulder. Whirling around the confused face of Peter Gray greeted her. Worry lurked in the depths of his emerald eyes. "Madam, is something amiss? You seem frightened." Silently Girdy thanked God that courteous young men still existed. "I thank you for your concern, but I am fine monsieur. Your sister is singing well enough to call the angels themselves to our performance." Peter's face lit up with pride, compliments from the ballet mistress were rare and to be treasured. "She gets it from our mother, those two used to love to sing together..." Girdy nodded, secretly wondering what had been the fate of the Grey's parents. Several other stagehands gestured wildly for Peter to hurry to his place. With a smile, the stagehand excused himself, and ran to join them.
The second act began with a flourish, and the audience was respectful of the obvious effort the actors had made. Diana continued to charm the audience, but she could not shake the feeling that they were waiting for something... When the time came for her to take the serpent in her hand, she looked into the eyes of the actor giving it to her and gasped. Those eyes were eyes that she had never seen before!! As quickly as this happened, the figure blended back into the row of dancers and vanished.
The performance was a success worthy of the start of the season, Diana had to fight her way threw the cast to her dressing room. Once inside she collapsed on the bed. Her mind racing to find explanations for the last minute switch, but logic failed her. Phantom mewed and leapt onto her lap, begging to be fed. "One moment, one moment, I'll fix you something... you're a cat, so you eat Fish, milk, mice... oh dear..." Diana looked at the cat. "I'm afraid I'm fresh out of milk, I don't like fish, and I have a feeling that I don't have mice either. So I guess I'll just have to go out and get you some." She laughed as the cat chased her fingers over the desktop. Turning to change her clothes Diana once again caught sight of the note; its message ran threw her mind once more.
Roul glanced at the Persian as they rose to leave their seats, the performance had not had a single hitch. It seemed that Daroga's worry was all for nothing, a smile crept over his face. In all the time he had known Daroga, the man had never been wrong. Secretly he wondered if Daroga was thinking the same thoughts he was, for his friends brow was furrowed in confusion. Suddenly, the emptiness behind them was filled by the sharp figure of a man. Calmly the specter approached them. The theater was empty save these three, but had another soul been present, they would never have bothered to look twice at the scene playing out behind them. Erik watched the two men quietly; a small smile hidden by the shadows gracing his face.
"Did you enjoy the opera gentlemen? I must admit that this particular version has never been a favorite of mine. But as tonight's was exquisite, perhaps this is the kind of opera that grows on you." Roul narrowed his eyes and backed away cautiously, The Persian grabbed him by the arm to steady him. "The opera was very good, however I was surprised that you were so cautious. I had expected to see you." Erik's eyes gleamed with excitement, the thought that he had been right on the stage and Daroga had not seen him was thrilling. Roul looked at Erik with mild annoyance. In return, Erik raised an eyebrow questioningly. "Cant a man even go to the opera these days without seeing ghosts!"
Daroga failed to stop a chuckle from emerging, Erik merely sighed. "Very funny, you've truly spiced up my evening with your unmatchable wit viscount. How would I ever manage without your impeccable timing and humorous lines. " You could almost see the sarcasm, the very air was thick with it. Erik turned and looked towards box five. Then he returned his gaze to the men in front of him. "I do not wish to be rude, however I must leave you gentlemen, I'm afraid there is an appointment I must keep."
Meg watched with wide eyes as the Phantom disappeared into the shadows, leaving Roul and the Persian unharmed. She was no fool. The ghost's recent behavior had meant that he was planning something, only the day before she had received a note of her own. The sight of the letter had filled her with dread, but to her surprise, the news had been only good... could the ghost be truly planning something? "Meg, just the dancer I had wanted to see." Meg spun around and fell right against the phantoms still form. With agile grace, he broke her fall and returned her to her feet.
"O.G.! How can I be of service? The Persian and Viscount were here tonight, I thou..." a snarl escaped the phantom and he released her with malice in his eyes. "Do not play the fool to me! I saw you listening in on us! If you think you can trick me, I fear you are in danger of fooling yourself!" His anger eased when he heard her terrified sobbing, a wave of shame washed over him and he sighed, his anger defeated. "I... should not be so sharp, for that I apologize. But remember, I see all that goes on in my opera house. Do not underestimate me Meg."
So alone I, the Persian, descended into the depths of the opera. My search for Erik was destined to be a difficult one. There are thousands of rooms in the opera house, many of them in Erik's stronghold, the underground. I searched every haunt that came to mind, from the stables to the shores of the lake. Just as I began to think it was hopeless, a thought struck me. With hurried steps I ran threw the passageways to the former dressing room of Christine Diae. He was there, sitting with his back against the wall, his face turned away from me. For a moment he seemed to acknowledge my presence, his form vibrated with his hidden tension.
I walked in front of him, trying to lock eyes, but when his eyes met mine, I was the one who had to cower at the gaze. "What do you want now daroga, I'm not in the mood." I sighed and sat down beside him, our eyes met and another sigh escaped me. "Come now Erik, let us be civilized and speak without our weapons." I placed my revolver onto the ground, he chuckled at the sight of it. "Did you think that gun would do anything to protect you?" I shrugged my shoulders and smiled. He seemed surprised when I also removed the dagger I kept concealed in my boot.
"Very well, without weapons." Erik reached into his cloak and I felt my insides turn to ice as he removed the Punjab lasso. However, I was not surprised that he failed to remove the switchblade from his belt. I cleared my throat nervously; I was about to walk right onto very thin ice. "Erik, the stagehand named Joseph..." I was interrupted by a sharp laugh. I gave Erik a disturbed look but this only seemed to spur him on. Finally, when he had calmed down I attempted to speak again. "Erik, about Joseph..." he stopped me with a look. His brow furrowed in thought, then he smiled. "As I recall, I have quite a thing with killing Joseph's, wasn't the last one a stagehand too? I can't remember..."
I shot him a distraught look and he laughed deep in the back of his craw. Then his eyes took on a somber light. "I think I did the opera house a favor by disposing of that drunk." He looked towards me when he heard me sigh, "Erik the Phantom of the Opera was dead! Why on earth do you want to start this madness all over again?!" I searched his eyes for an answer. Then a terrible thought crossed threw my mind." Does this have anything to do with the new Diva? Does this concern mademoiselle Grey?" His eyes were like hellfire as he rose to his feet, even without his lasso, he was still more than my match in strength. "Erik please, talk to me! We are friends! What does this have to do with her?" His anger faded slightly, a shallow sigh reached my ears and I found myself gently place a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Why must you always meddle in my affairs?" I shook my head in sorrow.
"Erik, when human lives are at stake it is no longer a private matter! You are human as well, don't forget that. His eyes met mine, an eerie sight in this darkness, they seemed to sharpen as he smiled. "Human... you say that as if it matters for something daroga." In sudden anger he struck the stones with his fists, an anguished cry escaping his imposing form. "When has the fact that I am part of our sad excuse for a species ever mattered for anything!" He turned away from me, everything about his form showing his rage. I moved away as he wheeled around to face me. "Perhaps you're right, that I am wrong to kill. Is this still true when they actually deserve it?! But so help me daroga! I don't care! You know I don't!"
In the quiet midnight hours at the opera house a lone figure could have been spotted on the chandelier, his golden eyes appearing almost spectral in the dark theater. Though there was no one to see his lonely round about the large room, his stealth did not diminish. However, if you had been there to see him, your eyes would have filled with tears. The sorrow he carried with him weighed him down as if it held solid form. This is the Phantom of the Opera, the man, without a chance to really live. What had he done to deserve this life of almost unbroken solitude? He was born. In the dim light, a tear slides down his face, and he is gone.
I run into my dressing room in a state of giddy excitement! Tonight is the performance I have been preparing for since I was hired here! My heart is beating so quickly that I fear if I don't keep moving it will run on without me! As I begin my breathing exercises, a strangely shaped package on my bed catches my eye. Picking it up I immediately recognize my brothers handwriting. The note tied on top tells me to sing well and that this may help. I open the package and laugh as a small kitten looks into my face and mews. "Well you are a very cute kitten! I think I'll call you... Phantom. You're definitely white enough to be a ghost!" Phantom rubbed up against my hand and purred, her sapphire eyes closed contently.
A knock on my door almost caused me to drop the precious animal. "Come in!" Madam Girdy entered and smiled at me. She had become almost a mother to me since I had arrived, but there always seemed to be something bothering her. She raised an eyebrow at the kitten, "Well, what do we have here?" I smiled at her surprise, "She's a gift from my brother Peter! Isn't she adorable?" Phantom looked at Giry and mewed, the ballet mistress smiled behind her hand. "Alright, she's a cute kitten. What have you named her?" I looked down at Phantom and stroked behind her ear. "Well, she's as white as a ghost, so I named her Phantom!" Girdy drew back with a small gasp, her hand going to her mouth. "That's...well... are you sure that is a smart idea? Perhaps you should reconsider..." She noted my surprise and sighed.
"Madam Girdy, you know I don't believe in the Phantom of the Opera! That's just a silly story to scare people!" Girdy shook her head and sighed, "Whatever you hear Diana, there is one thing we can all be sure of, and that thing is this. The Phantom of the Opera is as real as you or I. I must go prepare the dancers." She turned to leave, then stopped and handed me a small envelope. "Here, this is for you... good luck tonight!" Without another look she left my room in a rustle of skirts. With curiosity I opened the letter, it was written in red ink...
To my dear Diva, Mademoiselle Diana Grey,
First of all, I would like to wish you the best of luck in the performance tonight. I have complete faith in your ability to play the role of Cleopatra. Second, I would like to draw your mind back to your audition for the opera several months ago. I was privileged enough to be there and would have liked to have wrote you sooner, but I fear business called me away. You have exquisite taste in music, and you are a natural performer. However, I fear that you have not had a proper voice teacher; you are hiding your true talent! I can help you with this.
Therefore, after the Opera tonight I would like to meet with you. Please come to the box number five on the grand tier, I will be waiting inside. Hopefully, we can work out a time that is good for you.
With best regards,
O.G.
Confused, I put the letter on my table. A mysterious man or woman, who only puts down O.G. as a name, wants to meet with me? Should I go? Part of me trilled with excitement and curiosity at the idea. However, another part of me warned me that this possibly a very dangerous situation... should I risk it? Another knock on my door caused me to almost jump out of my skin, why does no one around here give their name before they knock?! "Who is it?"
"Diana! It's me Kirsty! Can I come in?" Relieved, I opened the door, and was almost drowned in a downpour of costume! Kirsty giggled and peaked under the mound of cloth. "Performance starts soon, so I thought I would help you out by bringing you your costume. However I never imagined I'd have to show you how to wear it!" She continued to laugh at me as I grabbed her by the ankle and pulled her down. Both of us looked at each other and covered our mouths to keep from snorting with laughter. It turned out that I did need her help to put the stupid thing on, neither of us knew the top from the bottom!
Andrea looked over at Firmin and sighed as his partner lit up a cigar. "You are aware how expensive those things are, aren't you?" Firmin shot Andrea a stunned look, "You know, people tell me I worry too much. I really must introduce them to you some day!" Andrea chuckled lightly and wiped his forehead with a cloth, his partner eagerly scanned the Audience. "This performance is a sellout Andrea! Try to lighten up! For heavens sake live a little!" Both men became silent as the orchestra began the introduction.
The excitement in the air was contagious, behind the curtains the actors and ballet dancers were almost running in place. The air was tainted with the smell of perfume and before performance sweat. Several stagehands move about in the rafters, Peter pauses to wave at Kirsty and his sister. Then he joins the others and prepares to raise the curtains. Those working with props perform the quick last second inspection, the lights dim on the other side of the curtain. And the performance begins!
In the streets outside of the opera house the viscount- de-changny waits with little patience for the Persian to arrive. Both men had agreed to meet here and watch the opera together. Roul was unsure why, but his old acquaintance seemed worried about one of the singers in the production. To his dismay a light shower of rain began to fall. Quickly he dashed into the structures overhanging entrance. The light shower quickly turned into a harsh storm, in the distance a bolt of lightning shot across the sky. Daroga ran up the steps and the two spoke for a moment before disappearing into the building.
Curiosity rising, Roul turned to Daroga and raised an eyebrow. "Well, who is it that you believe is in so much danger?" The Persian gave Roul an annoyed Look. Silently they slipped into their reserved box. On the stage Cleopatra and Mark Anthony sang of their undying love, their song soared around the theater. "She is the one, her name is Diana Grey. I fear that like Christine, her voice has caught Erik's attention." Roul shook his head in disbelief. "You would think he would know better!" The Persian only sighed and nodded, his heart going out to the young woman on the stage.
Unseen by all present, a shadowy figure sat in box five and watched the performance. His eyes gleaming golden in the darkness. The very manner in which Diana moved about the stage was enrapturing. Her grace as she fell into Anthony's arms was charming, even the very way she breathed could enthrall. Sighing, the Phantom sank back into his chair and smiled, she was good, very good. With just a little help she could have the world at her feet... The first act ended and the audience applauded enthusiastically. Rising from his seat the operas specter made his way backstage to watch them prepare for the next act.
Behind the scenes, the performers reapplied makeup and changed or straitened out their costumes. Madam Girdy sensed that the ghost was at hand, her eyes roamed over the crowded stage. "Please O.G. do not ruin this performance! We all worked so hard on this one, and it's our first night..."A cold hand descended onto her shoulder. Whirling around the confused face of Peter Gray greeted her. Worry lurked in the depths of his emerald eyes. "Madam, is something amiss? You seem frightened." Silently Girdy thanked God that courteous young men still existed. "I thank you for your concern, but I am fine monsieur. Your sister is singing well enough to call the angels themselves to our performance." Peter's face lit up with pride, compliments from the ballet mistress were rare and to be treasured. "She gets it from our mother, those two used to love to sing together..." Girdy nodded, secretly wondering what had been the fate of the Grey's parents. Several other stagehands gestured wildly for Peter to hurry to his place. With a smile, the stagehand excused himself, and ran to join them.
The second act began with a flourish, and the audience was respectful of the obvious effort the actors had made. Diana continued to charm the audience, but she could not shake the feeling that they were waiting for something... When the time came for her to take the serpent in her hand, she looked into the eyes of the actor giving it to her and gasped. Those eyes were eyes that she had never seen before!! As quickly as this happened, the figure blended back into the row of dancers and vanished.
The performance was a success worthy of the start of the season, Diana had to fight her way threw the cast to her dressing room. Once inside she collapsed on the bed. Her mind racing to find explanations for the last minute switch, but logic failed her. Phantom mewed and leapt onto her lap, begging to be fed. "One moment, one moment, I'll fix you something... you're a cat, so you eat Fish, milk, mice... oh dear..." Diana looked at the cat. "I'm afraid I'm fresh out of milk, I don't like fish, and I have a feeling that I don't have mice either. So I guess I'll just have to go out and get you some." She laughed as the cat chased her fingers over the desktop. Turning to change her clothes Diana once again caught sight of the note; its message ran threw her mind once more.
Roul glanced at the Persian as they rose to leave their seats, the performance had not had a single hitch. It seemed that Daroga's worry was all for nothing, a smile crept over his face. In all the time he had known Daroga, the man had never been wrong. Secretly he wondered if Daroga was thinking the same thoughts he was, for his friends brow was furrowed in confusion. Suddenly, the emptiness behind them was filled by the sharp figure of a man. Calmly the specter approached them. The theater was empty save these three, but had another soul been present, they would never have bothered to look twice at the scene playing out behind them. Erik watched the two men quietly; a small smile hidden by the shadows gracing his face.
"Did you enjoy the opera gentlemen? I must admit that this particular version has never been a favorite of mine. But as tonight's was exquisite, perhaps this is the kind of opera that grows on you." Roul narrowed his eyes and backed away cautiously, The Persian grabbed him by the arm to steady him. "The opera was very good, however I was surprised that you were so cautious. I had expected to see you." Erik's eyes gleamed with excitement, the thought that he had been right on the stage and Daroga had not seen him was thrilling. Roul looked at Erik with mild annoyance. In return, Erik raised an eyebrow questioningly. "Cant a man even go to the opera these days without seeing ghosts!"
Daroga failed to stop a chuckle from emerging, Erik merely sighed. "Very funny, you've truly spiced up my evening with your unmatchable wit viscount. How would I ever manage without your impeccable timing and humorous lines. " You could almost see the sarcasm, the very air was thick with it. Erik turned and looked towards box five. Then he returned his gaze to the men in front of him. "I do not wish to be rude, however I must leave you gentlemen, I'm afraid there is an appointment I must keep."
Meg watched with wide eyes as the Phantom disappeared into the shadows, leaving Roul and the Persian unharmed. She was no fool. The ghost's recent behavior had meant that he was planning something, only the day before she had received a note of her own. The sight of the letter had filled her with dread, but to her surprise, the news had been only good... could the ghost be truly planning something? "Meg, just the dancer I had wanted to see." Meg spun around and fell right against the phantoms still form. With agile grace, he broke her fall and returned her to her feet.
"O.G.! How can I be of service? The Persian and Viscount were here tonight, I thou..." a snarl escaped the phantom and he released her with malice in his eyes. "Do not play the fool to me! I saw you listening in on us! If you think you can trick me, I fear you are in danger of fooling yourself!" His anger eased when he heard her terrified sobbing, a wave of shame washed over him and he sighed, his anger defeated. "I... should not be so sharp, for that I apologize. But remember, I see all that goes on in my opera house. Do not underestimate me Meg."