When her performance had finished and the curtains closed, Christine managed to slip past the crowds and down into the little chapel in the very back of the opera house. She adjusted the flowing, white gown about her on the cold stone floor before she lit the little candle behind the picture of her father.

"If only you could have seen me tonight…" She whispered softly, a tear running down her powdered cheek.

She could not believe that it had actually happened. All her years of singing and waiting had finally led her to her moment of triumph. Those two hours on stage had altered her life forever. Christine wanted nothing more than to live a life of music and acting, and she owed all her gratitude to her tutor, her guide and guardian. He promised her and tonight he handed her the heart of Paris on a silver platter.

A soft, exalting voice broke the silence of the small chapel. "Brava, Brava, Bravissima…"

"Angel," she called quietly.

"You have done magnificently, the angels wept this night."

"I could not explain what I felt on stage! It was as though another being had taken over my body. I poured my very soul into those words!" Christine could feel her heart begin to race.

"Your soul is very beautiful, Christine. No emperor received such a gift."

A blush crept into her cheeks at his praise.

"This is not the end, my child. You will have many a night such as this, but there is much more work to be done. Are you prepared to take the next step?"

She took a deep breath before she answered him. "With all my heart. As long as you are there to guide me."

Meg walked quickly and quietly to the back of the opera house, passing a couple entwined in a passionate embrace. The hallway was dimly lit as well as the staircase leading down to the pathetic excuse for a place of heavenly worship. It was dark, except for the candles that lined the walls. There was a large stained glass window on the left wall and a large mural of an angel on the far wall. On either side of the shrine were two stands with three rows of candles. If one felt so inclined, they could come down to light a candle in memorial of a deceased loved one. Meg was never really a devotional to any particular religion. Her mother had never forced that upon her, though she did believe in God and miracles.

"Christine…" she called softly. "Christine?"

Meg smiled in relief when she reached the bottom of the staircase. Sure that her friend was not immersed in prayer, she entered the chapel. She glanced for a moment at the candle that had been lit near the picture of Christine's father.

"Oh Christine, where have you been hiding?" Meg exclaimed as she kneeled next to Christine. "You were wonderful! You must tell me who this new tutor is!" She hated having to be so naïve.

Christine gave Meg a tender smile, but a heavy seriousness was evident in her eyes.

"Meg, I must tell you something. You'll think it ridiculous, but it's true…"

Meg took Christine's hand in hers and gave it an encouraging squeeze.

"When your mother brought me here to live, I would come down here alone to light a candle for my father. And a voice…a voice from heaven, Meg! He came to me, and he came in my dreams."

Meg gave Christine a look of concern but did not interrupt.

"You see, when Father lay dying, he said that he would send an angel to protect me…an Angel of music."

Meg turned her head in order to hide the guilt that washed over her face. Oh how could she believe this voice to be her dead father? Poor Christine!

"Christine…do you believe? Do you really think the spirit of your father is instructing you?"

"Who else could it be, Meg?"

Christine rose from her place, seemingly distracted. Meg followed her movements.

"He's here, right now. Can you sense it? No, probably not…but he's here…"

Meg took Christine's arm and started to lead her out of the chapel.

"You must have been dreaming, Christine. You're not yourself, you need rest."

But Christine did not listen to her. She looked about her and hummed a strange tune, her facial expressions ranging from awe to fear.

"Oh Meg, he's with me even now." She whispered.

"Your hands are cold…and your face, it's white!" Meg exclaimed. 'She is probably exhausted!' She thought.

Christine stopped in her place and looked at her friend. "It frightens me…"

"I'm here Christine. Don't be frightened. Come, let's get you out of this costume."

Meg guided her through the crowds until they found Madame Giry standing in front of Carlotta's dressing room.

"Christine! My dear child, there you are!" Madame Giry opened the door to the room and hurried her inside. "Quickly, quickly!"

Meg stood on the first stair and watched the door close in front of her. She heaved a sigh before turning to leave. This was Christine's night, she had to remind herself. But, that didn't mean she didn't deserve some reward for herperformance. She had practiced for hours on end, even when regular practices had been dismissed!

That was the difference between her and Christine. Everything came naturally for the curly haired brunette. The dancing, the singing…even with minimal practice, Christine could capture the audience with a mere smile. Was she jealous? Perhaps…but rightfully so. In the beginning, Meg was very awkward on her feet. She was green with envy as she watched Christine literally glide with the music.

The day her mother informed her she was to be placed in the front line with the prima ballerinas, she knew Erik had been involved, but for what reason, Meg could not determine. It was the same with her voice. When Christine sang she made the most beautiful sounds. True, her voice had been shaped by Erik…well…the Angel of Music. Meg's voice was lower, softer, and lacked the confidence that Christine portrayed. Again Erik stepped in. He said he saw the potential within her, and if she truly wanted to sing, all she need do was listen.

Meg listened and obeyed his every command. She was enchanted by his spell and awed at the way even music seemed to bend to his will. Unlike others, she was able to look past the white mask that adorned his face, and worshipped him as the musical god he was.

Yet, her homage to him was not enough. She wanted him to love her like he loved Christine…but no matter how hard she tried she could not break the obsession he had for the dark haired angel.

No matter. There were plenty of young men who would have her. What did she care what happened between Erik and Christine? In fact, there was a rather handsome man looking her way. Perhaps she would introduce herself…

"Meg!" came a familiar shout.

Meg winced and felt her face flush. Why was life so unfair?

"I will not have my girls up and about in the late hours of the night when there is practice the next morning! Do you think your performance was at it's best?"

She rolled her eyes before turning to face her. "No mama,"

"Off to bed with you!"

Meg glanced apologetically at the young man. He smiled and nodded before leaving.

And so was the life of a future prima ballerina…