A/N: Hey everybody! I know this update took a while, but I just moved back in to school a few days ago and I've been really busy. We're getting close to the end now, so hopefully I'll be able to get the last few chapters up pretty soon.

Raoul watched the rise and fall of Christine's chest, her steady and even breathing somehow calming him. She had fallen asleep shortly after Erik had fled from the house, but not before she requested to see Christophe. Raoul had brought him down, worried how he would react upon seeing Christine in this state. But the young child rushed to his mother's arms without hesitation.

"Raoul," she called softly for his assistance, still too weak to even lift her son.

He carefully placed Christophe in her lap as he slid beside her in the bed. Christine nestled in closer to him, wrapping his strong arms around her. She sat there so quietly that he hardly realized that sleep had claimed her. Raoul noticed now that her face was regaining its former color, a pink hue returning to her cheeks. He was glad to see she was improving, if only slightly. For a time while he waited for the doctor, he had been overwhelmed by the fear that she would leave them. He held her tighter now, as though his arms could somehow keep her there.

Christine whimpered softly as she awoke, looking around the room sleepily. "Has he returned yet?"

"No, chéri. We have heard nothing from him." Raoul shifted his weight away from her so that he could look into her eyes. "I know this might sound harsh, but it is possible that he has no intention of returning. If you have chosen me, he really has no reason to stay."

"I asked him to stay, at least for a little while. Besides, he would never just leave me," she said matter-of-factly as she bounced Christophe on her lap.

Raoul could find no response for her. He was afraid to voice his thoughts because, truthfully, he had hoped that Erik was leaving them forever. He would never say that to her though, especially now. He knew how concerned she was for Erik.

"I was thinking that perhaps we could try getting you out of bed tomorrow morning. If you feel ready for it, I could help you walk about the house, maybe even around the garden."

Christine signaled her agreement with a lingering kiss. She pulled away only when she heard the open and close of a door in the hall. Her eyes were soft and full of relief when Erik entered. A wide smile crossed her lips as she offered her hand out to him. Raoul moved from the bed and stepped in front of him. Christine, suspecting an altercation, handed Christophe over to Henriette who hurried with him from the room.

"What have you done?" Raoul asked fiercely.

"My business is none of your concern, Monsieur le Vicomte." Erik bowed slightly to Christine, then stepped towards the door.

But Raoul had the door closed before Erik could reach it. He now stood before it, a barricade to Erik's escape. "You will not leave this room until you have answered my question."

Erik's eyes narrowed as he advanced on Raoul. "Do not forget to whom you speak."

"You no longer frighten me," Raoul said menacingly.

"Raoul, must we do this now?" Christine called exhaustedly.

"Forgive me, mon amour, but I'm afraid so," he said firmly.

"I have killed once tonight, Vicomte. To take your life would be of no consequence to me."

"Stop this!" Christine cried. The tension in the room was working itself into a frenzy, as everyone began to speak heatedly.

"So she is dead then?"

"Her life was of no importance, what does it matter that I did?"

"You didn't have to kill her!" Raoul yelled indignantly.

"I'm glad she's dead!" Christine covered her mouth as soon as the words left it. Her eyes were wide, as though her outburst surprised even herself. "I…I'm sorry," she said quietly. "I don't know why I said that. I'm not really glad that she's dead. I would not wish that on anyone. It's just…oh Raoul, our baby…"

Raoul rushed to her side as she broke into sobs. He gently smoothed back her hair as he rocked her in his arms, whispering soft words of comfort in her ear. Erik looked upon him with disdain. He had risked everything for her, sought to defend her honor, and yet it was the Vicomte that she clung to. He took advantage of the situation, stealing from the room before either of them had a chance to notice. He had not gone far when Raoul caught up to him in the hallway.

"Excuse me….Erik," Raoul spoke hesitantly, using the name for the first time. "Christine and I shall be staying in the guest room. We think it wise not to move her just yet. But she has requested that you stay nearby. We see no need for you to stay out in the old stables."

"Where shall I be sleeping then?"

"There is another room, just across the hall from ours. I think you will find it quite comfortable."

"I have no need for comfort. But if it is what Christine desires…"

"I will notify the servants. Everything shall be prepared by the time you are ready to retire. You must surely be hungry. I will have Henriette send some food in."

"Thank you, Monsieur."

Raoul gave him a slight nod before turning to return to Christine. From behind, he heard Erik speaking again. "But please, Monsieur, do not mistake these pleasantries for friendship."

"I would never make such an error," Raoul called over his shoulder, smiling brightly.