A/N - Things have slowed down because I can't make more time for myself. Whine whine. At any rate..

AngelicFlutist - Thanks for all the reviews. I appreciate your faithfulness. I am trying to find the delicate balance with Erik. The more I see the show (on stage) and the movie, and reading the books - I believe that he is quite criminally mad, and he is often too 'soft' in these stories. I want him to be almost cruel, because I think he would have been. There IS a limit, though, and I hope I respect it appropriately.

my-echo - IT'S SATURDAY :)

All of the traps Erik had set to protect his lair were apparently in perfect working order. Christine had narrowly avoided death more than once in the past few hours (had it been that long?) and only then because she knew to expect them. She stepped warily through the darkened tunnels, cursing the need for such caution. It was taking her far longer to descend than she had ever remembered. Who was Erik taking such measures against? Who was he trying to keep out?

Such musings were quickly cut off, as Christine heard the familiar creak of a gear suddenly pushed into motion. Her breath caught and she became as still as she could manage, waiting to see what would spring forth. From above, more than a few dozen ropes fell - all perfectly formed into the shape of a noose. Silence followed, and Christine felt a nervous laugh escape her.

"Still all about the show, hmm Erik?" Her voice was comforting in the eerie darkness as it bounced off the walls. She began through the mass of ropes, shoving them aside with her forearm.

Which rope had caused it, she would never be able to pinpoint, but Christine in her haste unintentionally triggered yet another snare. Suddenly the floor seemed to shift, causing her to lose her balance. She gripped at the circular ropes hanging above to prevent her fall. Doing so only seemed to rush the change in the surface beneath her feet. Suddenly a thousand dagger-like blades thrust upwards at her. She would scarcely be able to move. A quick glance behind confirmed that the shimmering points washed well behind her in a sea of danger. Christine groaned, knowing she could not hold herself up for very long. Her arms had already begun to tremble.

Upon further examination of the trap before her, Christine realized that she had nearly cleared the danger area before causing the second phase to occur. If she could only swing a bit, perhaps she could leap over the blades. The burning in her muscles prompted her to do something, and so she began to kick her legs methodically - wishing for once that she did not have all the layers of skirts on. The momentum began to build, and just as Christine's fingers would have slipped against her will, she released herself in an attempt to launch into the empty stone floor.

The searing flash of pain that filled her first confirmed that she had failed, and then sent her into unconsciousness.

Nicholas found himself unable to control his wakefulness, slipping in and out of consciousness frequently. While awake, he would strain to hear the voices in the next room - trying to discern the conversation betwixt captor and captive. Oddly, he thought they were discussing opera. Sleep had claimed him again before he could muse on the thought, and now he finally roused from it again.

"Elizabeth!" He called, unable to wonder about her condition any longer. Nicholas thought he heard Erik laugh, before Elizabeth appeared quickly in the threshold. She approached, tentatively placing the tips of her fingers against his forehead. Nicholas attempted a weak smile at her, and realized that her pretty eyes were downcast.

"Look at me," he breathed softly. "Has he hurt you?"

With the little bit of strength he could muster, Nicholas reached to touch her cheek. Elizabeth flinched and pulled away with a look of horror upon her face. She shook her head fiercely. Nicholas recoiled at her response, worry filling him.

"What has he done?" He spoke louder, and Elizabeth shushed him.

"Are you hungry?" She finally spoke, her voice trembling though she seemed to speak more loudly than was necessary.

"No." Nicholas murmured, again reaching to touch her. What had the monster done to her? She would not even look at him!

Elizabeth nodded at his response and evaded his touch quickly, beginning to exit the room.

"Yes," Nicholas called after her, realizing it would keep her with him for even a moment longer. Elizabeth nodded, and allowed her gaze to meet his for the briefest of moments. She offered him a weak smile, hoping to calm him a bit. Nicholas did find it soothing. At least the madman had not somehow turned her against him.

Elizabeth stepped into the main cavern again, and trod toward the tiny kitchen area.

"I seen you," Erik murmured, without glancing up from the book he seemed engrossed in. "This is your first warning, little Beth. Do you doubt my promise?" His tone was laden with threat and Elizabeth opened her mouth to protest. Thinking better of it, she simply inclined her head in a gesture of obedience and moved to make a meal out of the sparse commodities provided.

Again without warning, something within the tunnels seemed to pique Erik's interest. He gazed into the dark depths for more than a moment, and then stood quickly.

Erik glanced toward Elizabeth, faithfully working to create sustenance for her little friend. If he left them alone, he knew she would disobey him. Perhaps even plot against him, or try to escape. The boy was still terribly weak, though, and Erik doubted he could walk. She would not leave him. He decided to permit them the little moment they'd no doubt steal together. Something had triggered another trap, and he would not have any more unwelcome guests stumbling into his home.

"I'll return. Remember my commands. I see all and hear all," he muttered, before disappearing. Elizabeth glanced after him, but he had moved so quickly she could not even tell which direction he had went.

The meal came together much more quickly with the promise of a conversation with Nicholas lingering. She carried the tray with hot, steaming tea and some simple breads and cheese toward her weakened friend. This time she brazenly met his gaze, and settled onto the bed beside of him. She even offered him another smile.

Nicholas breathed a sigh of relief, reaching to cup her warm cheeks in his cold hands. She flinched at the chill, and then nuzzled against them - offering her warmth.

"I'm not allowed to speak with you, Nicholas. Or even look at you. He'll kill you, he says, if I do. I do not doubt his word."

Nicholas' heart was heavy with the fear written across her pretty features. He vowed to himself that if they survived this encounter, he would take her away from it all and make good on his wishes - to make her happy every day of her life. He tugged lightly in beckon, and Elizabeth lowered her head.

"I do not fear him, Elizabeth. I only fear for you.." Nicholas breathed against her lips, before stealing a kiss from them. She sighed at the pleasure of his gentleness, parting her lips in invitation. Nicholas accepted the beckon, and explored the velvety recesses of her mouth in a leisurely, doting kiss. The sound of a curse from afar broke their embrace, and Elizabeth untangled herself from him.

"Please understand, Nicholas, I must obey him. I have..I.. to save you.. I mean, you were dying.. And I couldn't.." What a time for words to fail her! Elizabeth flushed deeply and looked away. "I have promised myself to him, in return for your life. Now eat, I won't have my promise go to waste because you starve."

She was trying to tease him, but all Nicholas felt was anger. How could she give herself away to such a man? And for his sake? Oh, Gods he had caused it all then! Nicholas growled, and attempted to draw himself up. Immediately the room started to swim about his head and everything began to darken. He heard Elizabeth's sigh, and then felt her lips across his forehead.

"If you care for me, Nicholas, you will be calm. Please.."

And everything disappeared then, sleep and weakness claiming his mind once more.