Chapter Five
She thrust her eyes open, and stared into the darkness overwhelming the room. Madame Giry had been lost in Erik's arms just hours ago, but she awakened with an acute pain in her head.
Madame Giry felt a chilling breeze seep through the bed sheets. The icy coldness drifted up her spine, causing her to shiver tremendously.
Then it came to her. Madame Giry no longer felt Erik's arms wrapped around her waist, they're bodies were no longer entwined. Her heart sank deeply into her chest. Where is Erik? There must be something wrong, I am sure of it.
Madame Giry silently slipped her dark shawl around her shoulders. The room grew still and quiet. She made her way to a candelabrum. She swiftly lit every wick, and soon the chamber was glowing with warmth from the flickering candles.
Madame Giry felt a throbbing in her head. She hastily looked around room. Madame Giry left the room, searching…yearning for Erik. Her eyes led her to an envelope sealed with a skull, which was sitting gallantly on the organ. Madame Giry retrieved the envelope and read it.
Dearest Antoinette,
I love you dearly, but I fear that we should never be this close.
People would come looking for you.
People, with their accusing eyes, and hearts.
I could never live up to the person you need me to be.
Antoinette, please forgive me, I adore you.
I must leave you now, for I cannot bear to stay any longer.
I remain mi amour, you Angel of Music.
The Reflection Holds The Key.
Love, Erik
The words pierced her heart. Tears stained Madame Giry's delicate skin. She replaced the note and gently lifted the rose to her heart. Erik was always fond of roses. She fingered the black ribbon tied to the rose's stem.
Madame Giry glanced at the large mirror by the organ. She stared at her reflection. The blood red lips, her porcelain face, her slender frame, and her golden brown hair billowing past her shoulders. Her eyes were filling with tears, but she quickly wiped them away. Madame Giry ran her nails down her jawbone, as if clawing herself. She felt dizzy, and started to shake slightly.
Suddenly she saw a sharp image of a mask, a flicker of white, if nothing more. Madame Giry's eyes grew wide in alarm. She silently approached the mirror and slid it to the side, revealing a corridor. Madame Giry nervously stepped through the mirror, onto the cold stone floor. She clutched the shawl closer to her body and started down the catacombs, hoping that a correct turn would reveal Erik.
With the rose still clutched to her heart she silently walked onward. Perhaps she will find Erik, maybe she will not. Madame Giry kept walking through what seemed like a never ending corridor, with the glint of his mask leading the way. She would keep searching.