Darkest Passion Eternal

Chapter 3

January 17th

By the lake underneath the Opera house

11:00AM

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The gasp had echoed a bit as she turns around, her breathing growing quicker as she whimpers, not moving an inch, the swirling and silky material billowing softly against the backs of her legs. Her breathing kept soft, thought it was a bit fast still, her chest moving a little from underneath the dark brown locks which fanned down her shoulders and across her collarbone messily. After a few moments of this fright, it soon went away, before a little bit of fear sparked her mind when she felt a soft breath on the side of her cheek, not daring to turn her eyes to the side to see who it was.

Before she even gathered up the courage to look, she had felt the silk of a glove against her cheek, the fog too thick in front of her to see who was reaching out towards her. She opens her left eye a bit strained, in a slightly frieghtened manner, looking at the white glove which lay gently against her cheek, she closes her eyes once more, the glove trailing over her lips. When she opened her eyes back up, the glove, and the sensation was gone. The whole ominous presance was gone.

After a few moments, she quickly moves back up the steps of the cellar, moving quickly, returning to the ballroom, behind the curtain, within a matter of a little less than 7 minutes. Once she had made it into the warmth of the ball room, she looked as if she was going to swoon, her cheeks pale, a chill running down her spine. M. Chagny soon saw the curtain ruffle, moving over to the curtain and looking behind, seeing Knives, shivering and cold behind it. "My dear..what are you doing behind there.." he says silently, taking his silken black glove off, resting the palm of his hand gently against the girl's cheek, finding her cheek icey cold.

"You are quite cold.." he says silently as she shakes it off. "I'm fine..fine.." young Knives says silently as she looks at the man, before she feels him set a hand on her shoulder. "Miss, you are to sing tonight..it is your birthday, no?" he asks with a toothy grin, looking at the girl with sly eyes. She blushes and turns her head away slightly. "What!" she asks softly in a slightly harsh tone. "How..did you know..?" she asks in a smoother tone this time, looking at the man silently, expecting an answer from him quickly.

"Your files. Its quite simple." he says as he then lets his hand grab onto hers, leading her to the doors which led to the grand stage. "Iee.." she says softly, shaking her head. "But..but..but.." she says silently, looking at the man, sending nervous glances around her. She then closes her eyes for a moment, calming herself. "What will I be singing..?" she speaks silently, looking at M. Chagny. "Anything you'd like.." he speaks in a smooth tone, his tone a little bit more aristocratic than her own still. She thinks for a moment, then speaks out of spite. "The Phantom of the Opera.." she looks at the man, who gave her a slightly surprised look.

"Yes. Of course.." he says silently, nodding at the girl, turning on his heel to go speak with the stage directors, who were requested to play The Traditional, Phantom of the opera. It seems, that M. De Chagny was extremely supersitious, and had feared even the mentioning of the Phantom. "Go go then young miss.." he says silently, ushering her onto the stage, where the curtain was still closed. She could here speaking and such. The Opera was a full house tonight. All except for box 5, which no one had sat in in almost a century.

"Ah, and you will have Will, my boy, sing the duet part with you.." M. Chagny speaks with a slight smirk as she sees Will dressed up, in a black tuxedo, with white gloves, his bangs hanging in his face in a comfortable manner, and his dark locks cascading down his shoulders. Knives nods, and heads hesitantly out into the middle of the dark stage, a blush layed upon her cheeks. She heard the crowd lower their voices, and the voice of M. De Chagny brilliantly sound as he speaks in a rich, deep tone.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, we would like you to give a warm welcome, to our new guest, Knives Van Buren!"

She hears the whole theater begin to clap, including M. Chagny himself. "She will be singing for you tonight. Well, lets see what surprise she has for us this wonderful evening!" he speaks as he claps once more, walking from the stage, as the melodic, and slightly haunting tune of the song begins to play, and all of the Theater quiets their clapping, finally settling in, waiting for the curtains to part, and the show to begin.

The curtains began to part, and the crowd looked upon the girl with awe, as the light from above shone down upon her, making her look almost angelic. If it weren't for her dark appearance, it would be that of an angel. She gently places her hands by her sides, waiting until it was time to sing, looking upon the crowd gently, a blush still upon her cheeks. As she looked around, she caught a few people give a soft laugh, maybe even a giggle, before she began to sing.

In sleep he sang to me,
In dreams he came...
That voice which calls to me
And speaks my name...
And do I dream again?
For now I find
The Phantom of the Opera is there -
Inside my mind...

Her voice was just right, and smooth, slightly soft, but mesmorizing nonetheless. It rang throughout the theater, amazing those before her. Will came striding out from behind the stage, beginning to sing in his smooth, hypnotizing voice.

Sing once again with me

Our strange duet...

My power over you

Grows stronger yet...

And though you turn from me,

To glance behind,

The Phantom of the Opera is there -

Inside your mind...

After his part, which Knives was surprised he could sing so well, she began to sing her small part, which was a bit right before the duet. She still wasn't sure if their voices would sound good together. Her face was slightly flushed, and she hicked softly to herself, before opening her mouth, letting her brilliant voice sound once more.

Those who have seen your face
Draw back in fear...
I am the mask you wear...

Only seconds later after Knives had sung, Will's voice sounded once more, still smooth, sweet, enticing to the senses.

It's me
they hear...

His voice had faded, and they both caught their breath for a few seconds, before they both broke out in song, their voices sounding in flawless unison.

Your/my spirit and your/my voice,
In one combined:
The Phantom of the Opera is there
Inside your/my mind...

Both of their voices rung out marvelously, as if it was drawing heaven from the skies.

He's there,
the Phantom of the Opera...
Beware
the Phantom of the Opera...

Some offstage voices sung from behind the back curtain as the orchestra continued to play from beneath the stage.

In all
your fantasies,
you always
knew
that man
and mystery...

Will's voice sounded once more as he took a few silent strides around Knives, a slight smirk played across his face. She looks at him a little strangely, before letting her lips part once more as she sings.

...were both
in you...

Her voice rings softly, almost hauntingly as Will lifts his arm towards Knives, twisting his wrist gently, his fingers curling slightly.

And in this labyrinth,
Where night is blind,
The Phantom of the Opera is there/here
Inside your/my mind...

Both of their voices sound once more, their voices keeping the crowd's minds in awe, their eyes intently set upon the two. Will steps closer to Knives, running a finger down from her cheek over her shoulder.

Sing, my Angel of Music..!

He speaks fiercely, yet sweetly and pleadingly at the same time, his eyes meeting Knives' own emerald gaze.

He's there,
the Phantom of the Opera...

Her tone was perfect, smooth, yet soft and gentle at the same time, before her voice rang out, as she began to vocalise strangely, her song becomming more and more extorionate. The crowd was left in complete silence for a few moments, before a tremendous roar of applause came to both Knives' and Will's attention. Roses were thrown upon the stage at the young woman's feet, littering the stage before her as she was panting softly, her face flushed as she looks out upon the theater, their applause not seeming to stop.

She seems to falter slightly, feeling a hand at the small of her back. It was will, he was holding her straight, giving her a concerning glance. She shook the feeling off, looking randomly over to box five, where a manilla envelope was on the red velvet shelf on the inside, along with a single red rose, and some babies breath right near it. Her face becomes stern for a moment, before she feels Will nudge her with his shoulder gently, and she nodded a little.

He took her hand in his and led her to the middle of the stage, they both bowed formally, and began walking off the stage. Knives was still a bit light-headed, which led to a slight falter, as she fell against Will slightly, her face flushed, her eyes closed a bit. "Knives..?" Will asks silently, looking at the young Diva. "Yes, monsieur?" she asks back in a soft voice, barely above a whisper, she still hadn't caught her breath. "Are you alright?" he asks as she straightens herself, leaning against a nearby wall, seeing M. Chagny trying to push away a whole bunch of what looked to be managers, with bunches of papers in their hands.

"But we must see her!" Some of their strong voices urged. "She is amazing! I must have her signed!" Ones voice sounded.

"Signed..?" she asks silently to herself. "A contract.." Will speaks silently. "A manager, they want to be your manager." he says as she shakes her head and backs away a little. "No no.." she shakes her head again slightly, and watches security come and ward the crazed managers away. "Absolutely amazing!" M. Chagny's voice sounds as he reaches gently for Knives hand and kisses the top of her hand gently, looking up at her, releasing her hand gently.

"Let's conjure us all and have a toast! In your name! And feast in celebration of your birthday!" Chagny smiles toothily and watches as Will smirks a bit, looking over at Knives. "Come!" he speaks as he then begins to lead them both into the dining hall, seeing the tables already filled, except for their own seats. Knives was amazed by the humungous room, her face still flushed as she was dragged to her seat. There was servants taking the orders of people all around, and servants with shining silver platters with drinks filling the area upon it.

"What would you like my dear?" M. Chagny asks her with glee. "Anything you would like! Anything." he says with his lingering stupor. "Have some wine!" he says as she looks at him incredulously. She could see that he must be a heavy drinker from what he had just suggested, although, she was 17 as of tonight on. "Aged red wine please.." she speaks silently. "Wonderous!" Chagny speaks. This night would be nothing but a blurr to her later on.

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Author's note: I hope you enjoyed this chapter! There is more to come! Review please!