Unfortunately for me, the room at the end of the tunnel was well lit by three lamps. Shadows danced across the walls as Erik pushed the door open, a slight draft making the flames flicker. There was only one chair and one bookcase in the small room, and even that made it seem crowded.

Erik set me down carefully on the chair, and promptly turned his back to me, tapping on the books that lined the wooden shelf. He paused a few times, then pulled a large book out and opened it. A large roll of franques lay inside, and he picked them out and tucked them into his shirt. I absentmindedly wondered what his chest felt like, and my face didn't fail to turn bright red.

Stop it, Meg.

Opening another book, I saw him grab a ring of three keys and walk across the room. I watched as he fitted the first key into a small lock in the far wall, the disfigured half of his face turned to me. It was nothing to die in fright over, but I could understand how people would be afraid…silly superstitions and all. I always found myself more intrigued than scared…his tall and athletic frame, tanned complexion and cat-like grace…

Stop it, Meg…stop, stop, stop.

"Ah, there we are," he muttered, the second key apparently the one he was looking for. He stood and slid the wall to the side. I leaned foreword, and noticed the beginning of stairs.

He walked back to me, and offered his hand. "Let us see if you can walk now, hmm?"

I kept my eyes politely to the ground, accepting his hand and rising to my feet. That seemed sound enough, so I took a step forward. However, my sore foot was determined to make a fool of me yet, and I stumbled. With a little "eep" noise, I fell into Erik's grasp, and I froze as my mind processed the position I was now in.

Our hands clasped at my side, my right hand clinging to his shoulder, and his left arm wrapped around my waist to keep me steady. It was like a paused moment in a tango, but my heart pounded as if we'd done the entire dance. I looked up just as he looked down, and my breathing all but stopped as our lips brushed each other. Our gazes met, and fire flooded my veins at the wave of emotion in his eyes.

After several moments, I broke our gaze, turning my head away. He stepped back, almost reluctantly, and went over to another book, opening it and pulling out another mask.

"Always have spares," I said, voice trembling as I limped towards the stairs.

Erik hesitated, slipping on the mask, then tossed me the keys. "Go up…it leads to the back ally. Wait for me there."

I nodded, then rushed up the stairs, desperate to get into the light…and away from those beautiful eyes.