My heart felt like ice as I witnessed her flight from me with him. It was quite undecided who I hated more in that moment; her or her blond lover. I felt rage well up in me as I thought of her parting gift; a lewd kiss that she had tempted me with. It was in that kiss that I realized I had not loved her. That kiss that had awakened this sense of hate for her. I held the ring she had returned to me, grateful that she had at least the decency to do so. I turned and fled. Fled for my life into the winding passages and hidden hallways through the labrynth of my own making.

I felt like a caged bird, unable to fly, to experiance the freedom that normal men and women experianced, unable to feel intimacy or true love with any other. The one kiss I had ever received in my life was like poison to me. It awakened in me a need for more, but not from her. Never again from her. My thoughts turned to another... and instantly I shook my head, chastising myself for the very thought. Don't be stupid Erik, you've no reason at all to be thinking of... him. But I was. He was... so real. So vibrant. Passionate. He cared so deeply. I again shook my head. Forget such thoughts Erik!

I froze suddenly, hearing footsteps echoing, growing louder as they approached where I hid. I heard a voice raised in desperate shouts. It sounded lost. I did not feel like helping at all, but I silently made my way towards the sound for curiosity sake.

"Phantom! Show yourself! I am not here to do you harm. Please, we must speak."

I drew my breath sharply as I recognized the voice. He spoke with the same passion I admired in him, intent on drawing me out of my hiding place, although by doing so placing his own life in danger. It must be fate. There could be no other explanation for the sudden stab of emotion I felt as I watched the blond prince stumble about. I vaguely wondered what he was doing here, but at the moment I didn't care too much. I stepped soundlessly into the passage behind him; and was enclosed in complete darkness. I could sense him, he was frightened, but still he pressed on.

"Phantom! Erik!"

I almost gasped as I heard my name. Where had he learned it? It sounded like a purr coming from his lips. It sounded like a blessing. Like he said it with tenderness. He moaned and dropped to his knees, his head in his hands.

"Please... I need..."

The words were not shouted like the others, but spoken softly, and my heart wrenched and I stepped towards him, kneeling as well and wrapping my arms around him.

"I'm here."